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Prince Mushawevato
CULTURE Week celebrations, running from May 21 to 26 are in full swing in all of the country’s 10 provinces.
The national launch that heralds the commencement of the celebrations was set to be held yesterday in Filabusi at Godlwayo Culture Centre, Matabeleland South.
Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko was billed as the guest of honour, reprising the role he performed at last year’s launch at Nemakonde High School in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West.
According to the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, this is a celebration of the importance of cultural diversity through various modes of artistic expression.
The week-long fête is themed “Culture Week: Towards Increased Community Participation”, and it seeks to encourage people from all cultures to interact.
This year’s Culture Week celebrations coincide with Africa Day (May 25).
“The participation of communities in Culture Week will result in harmony and ownership of the programme by communities who are involved in the transmission processes as well as the enactment of culture forms,” notes NACZ communications and marketing officer Cathrine Mthombeni.
The celebrations will be held in every province on the following dates: Tendai Hall, Mashonaland Central (May 23); Long Cheng Plaza, Harare (May 24); Nyameni High School, Mashonaland East (May 24); Mvuma Primary School, Midlands (May 26); Salukazi Arts Centre, Bulawayo (May 27); Danhamombe High School, Masvingo (May 27); Mt Mapembe, Manicaland (May 27); Gariya Dam, Matabeleland North (May 27); Chikangwe High School, Mashonaland West (May 27); Murehwa Culture Centre, Mashonaland East (May 27); and Nswazi Cultural Centre, Matabeleland South (May 27).
Mthombeni said, “It is a fact that as Africans we always celebrate our culture and uniqueness. But it is such days that help us remember where we are coming from as a people and in turn understand where we are going.”
The NACZ official said the celebrations would be marked by activities that depict various aspects of hunhu/ubuntu.
Some of the activities include chiefs’ processions, traditional food and herbal exhibitions, dance, folk story telling sessions, marches by artistes and cultural activists, fashion shows and poetry among others.
Exhibitors include Amagugu International Heritage Centre, which was established in 2010 out of the vision of Mr Pathisani Nyathi with the aim of preserving and promoting indigenous cultural heritage.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police Kuyedza Women’s Club will showcase products they make and sell.
The Gender and Women’s Affairs Ministry will be among the host of exhibitors.
Performances by Albert Nyathi, Black Umfolosi, Jays Marabini and Lerato Nqindi are among many to look forward to.
Unesco’s 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity proclaims May 21 the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
It encourages celebration of the uniqueness of diverse cultures as part of world culture, while highlighting those cultural heritages that need to be preserved for posterity.
NACZ started Zimbabwe’s week-long celebrations 14 years ago.
“We inaugurated Culture Week in 2002 after we observed that one day was too short a period to leave an impact in lives and minds of people.
“In addition, artistes found one day not adequate to allow them to celebrate and display their works to the public,” explained Mthombeni.
All events are free of charge.
Online Reporter