Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
IT is all systems go for the Culture Month launch at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo today, with Zimbabweans being encouraged to celebrate their identity by wearing traditional attire that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.
The event is a national celebration of Zimbabwe’s traditions, heritage and creative expression, and is expected to attract thousands of people from across the country. President Mnangagwa is set to officiate at the commemorations.
Running under the theme “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030”, this year’s celebrations place strong emphasis on unity, identity and pride, particularly through fashion and cultural expression.
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant-General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe, has urged Zimbabweans to wear the national fabric with pride throughout Culture Month. President Mnangagwa and members of his Cabinet have already been wearing the national fabric during Cabinet sittings in May as part of the campaign.
“African apparel creates important expressions of cultural identity and diversity. Culture Month promotes Zimbabwean National Fabric and African apparel, while creating economic opportunities for local producers, designers and creative entrepreneurs. Let us embrace the national fabric because it is part of our identity,” said the minister.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Nicholas Moyo, said Bulawayo’s strong cultural heritage makes it a fitting host for the national celebrations. He also encouraged citizens to take pride in wearing traditional attire as a symbol of unity.
“Bulawayo residents have always taken pride in their culture. Over the years, we’ve witnessed many cultural celebrations where people proudly wear traditional attire. For the celebrations, we encourage people to come dressed in clothing that reflects who we are as Zimbabweans.
“We also urge citizens to embrace the national fabric because it represents the country’s cultural diversity and national identity. These are our national colours, and we must take pride in wearing dignified designs created from them,” said Moyo.
Renowned culturalist and playwright Thabani Hillary Moyo described the hosting of the event in Bulawayo as a significant moment for the city’s creative industry.
“It’s an important and exciting moment for Bulawayo to host the main Culture Month celebrations. The city has long been one of Zimbabwe’s strongest cultural and creative hubs, with a rich history in music, theatre, dance, poetry, visual arts, and cultural fashion.
“Beyond entertainment, Culture Month highlights the importance of preserving our languages, traditions, stories and artistic expressions for future generations.
“We have national colours that reflect our identity and we must embrace wearing the national fabric at such events because that is who we are,” he said.
He added that the celebrations provide an important platform for creatives and entrepreneurs to showcase their work on a national stage.
Today’s programme will feature performances from both traditional and contemporary dance groups, musicians, comedians and visual artists. There will also be exhibitions showcasing Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage.
More than 120 creatives from Matabeleland have collaborated on a special showcase highlighting the region’s cultural identity. Performers include Umkhathi Theatre Works, Thandy Dhlana, Ramsey K, Sam Siwela, Gog’Bekezela, Mthabisi Moyo, Khaya Arts and Bolamba, among others.
Zimbabwe’s Culture Month is commemorated annually in May and is spearheaded by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in partnership with Government and cultural stakeholders.
The programme celebrates the country’s heritage through music, dance, language, fashion, literature, food and indigenous traditions, while promoting national identity, social cohesion and economic development.
