Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
PANYATSIME Heritage and Culture Centre in Zengeza, Chitungwiza, celebrated Global Community Engagement Day on Wednesday by hosting a media tour of the centre, which has been recognised for its unique features.
The arts and heritage hub, covering three hectares, has been a game-changer for learners engaged in the heritage-based curriculum.
From traditional arts to nature walks, goat-skinning activities and lessons in traditional music and heritage, the centre is managed by Rumbidzai Dihwa.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, Dihwa could not hide her excitement as she interacted with the media and some community members who were unfamiliar with the centre.
“I would like to welcome you to Panyatsime Heritage and Culture Centre, a place where education and culture meet. It is a venue where enjoyment, heritage, and shared experiences bring together people from all walks of life,” she emphasised. Dihwa shared her vision for the cultural village aimed at empowering learners.
“As you are aware, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Zimbabwe has taken commendable steps towards implementing a Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) aimed at fostering an appreciation of the rich cultural diversity of our nation.
“In alignment with this educational framework, Panyatsime Heritage and Culture Trust has developed an initiative to complement the implementation of the HBC through the provision of cultural educational tour services to Zimbabwean schools and the public as a whole.
“Our culture centre is more than just a destination for entertainment; it serves as a vital resource for school pupils and the public to explore and learn about cultural and heritage issues.” She added, “It is dedicated to restoring African and Zimbabwean identity and raising cultural awareness among current and future generations. Every event and every activity here reflects the incredible diversity and strength of our community. We are committed to creating an environment where people can not only enjoy themselves but also learn from one another and build lasting bonds.” Dihwa spoke highly about the importance of community engagement and the preservation of indigenous trees.
“Community engagement is at the heart of our mission. We actively collaborate with local organisations, cultural groups, and international partners to ensure that our culture centre is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all visitors. On this special day, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding, promoting sustainability, and supporting initiatives that uplift the communities we serve,” she said. She also expressed her desire to host workshops for learners and arts and culture journalists free of charge at the centre.
“As we move forward, we will continue to innovate and expand our programmes to deepen these connections. From educational workshops to cultural festivals and volunteer opportunities, our goal is to empower inclusion and create unforgettable memories for generations to come.” Meanwhile, Dihwa’s heritage officers, Ashley Maganzo and Nyasha Simbo, took journalists on a tour of the facility, showcasing the indigenous trees they are preserving.
They expressed disappointment with some herbalists who damage trees in search of medicinal resources. The tour guide proceeded to the cultural village, where mbira and marimba player Masimba Matyatya demonstrated how he teaches learners from various schools to appreciate traditional musical instruments.
They concluded the tour by taking journalists to the cultural village section, where the elderly demonstrated traditional rural chores, such as using cow dung as floor polish and winnowing.
Panyatsime Heritage and Culture Centre stands as a beacon of cultural empowerment, fostering community engagement and education. By bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, it invites not only the local community but also visitors from afar to explore the richness of Zimbabwean culture.
As the centre continues to grow, it embodies the spirit of unity, ensuring that the heritage and traditions of the past are preserved for future generations.
dyton mupawaenda