‘Tolerate all culture’

Robin Muchetu in Insiza

Pomp and fanfare! That sums up yesterday’s experience at Godlwayo Cultural Centre in Insiza’s Avoca area in Matabeleland South.

Villagers, businesspeople, schoolchildren and traditional leaders, all thronged this usually quiet place for the launch of National Culture Week — an event that was presided over by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko.

It was an exhibition of traditional and modern ways of life, with women and girls donning elegant traditional wear.

VP Mphoko was not to be outdone as he stepped in clad in brown and white, complete with a sceptre.

The VP later said: “Rich, educated, poor . . . parents need to be respected. They are the ones who help us understand our culture. It’s like young people insulting our President. That is not tolerated at all.”

Rural Development, Preservation and Promotion of Culture and Heritage Minister Abednico Ncube said: “These events have an impact on our culture.

People have to appreciate the diversity of culture. I am happy that even our schools have embraced culture in their activities.”