Uphold culture of tolerance, says Minister Mavhima

Johnsias Mutonhori, Midlands Correspondent

ZIMBABWEANS must uphold the culture of tolerance that will guarantee that peace will prevail as the country readies to hold general elections next year. 

These remarks were said by the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Cde Larry Mavima during the culture week commemorations held at Muchakata Business Centre in Chiundura last week.

“As we celebrate this year’s culture day, let me reiterate that violence is the worst enemy that hinders progress in all spheres of life. Let’s desist from all forms of violence as we head towards the 2023 general elections. Violence goes against our culture and this also hinders progress and development of our beloved country. Let’s remain peaceful and jealously safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle. As it has always been said by the President Mnangagwa that Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, let’s build our own country peacefully leaving no one behind and desist from all acts which destroy our economy’s stability,” he said.

Cde Mavima also discouraged youth from drug abuse, adding the abuse of drugs was also a major contributor to violence.

 “Let me take this opportunity to encourage today’s youth to desist from the use of drugs and illicit substances as these are the major triggers of violent behaviour,” he said.

Speaking at the same event Chief Gambiza said the Government and its development partners must promote farming of small grains as the country was now facing uncertainty in agriculture output due to climate change.

“Small grains can thrive during this era of unpredictable rainfall patterns. Our people are undermining the significance of these small grains forgetting that these are the same crops we used to eat when we were growing up.”

Culture Week is an annual event that provides the country with an opportunity to celebrate and promote creativity and cultural diversity. This year Cultural Week was celebrated under the theme: ‘Celebrating cultural diversity-leaving no one and no place behind’.