Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
DEPUTY Speaker of Parliament, Cde Tsitsi Gezi has called for collective efforts to preserve cultural heritage, saying cultural exchanges creates opportunities for collaboration and mutual understanding among people of different races and ethnicities.
She was speaking at a Wu Opera performance hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe at 7Arts Theatre in Harare on Monday, October 12.
The event brought together Government officials and other invited guests, including traditional leaders.
Gezi said preserving culture was a shared responsibility that required investment in the arts, protection of indigenous knowledge and the creation of platforms for creativity to thrive.
“We must continue to invest in our artists, protect indigenous knowledge, and create platforms for creativity to thrive. At the same time, we should remain open to learning from other cultures,” she said.
“I urge our young people, artists, and educational institutions to be inspired by this event. Let it encourage artistic collaboration and partnerships between Zimbabwean and Chinese creators, helping our young artists value their heritage while confidently engaging with the world,” she said.
Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, Mr Tang Xiaoping, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cultural ties with Zimbabwe and other African countries through various exchange programmes.
“As I address you today, I reaffirm China’s commitment to working with Zimbabwe and other African countries through cultural performances, youth engagement, educational cooperation and other people-to-people initiatives,” said Xiaoping.
Wu Opera is a traditional Chinese opera form with a history spanning more than 500 years. Rooted in the local life of eastern China, the art form is known for its lively singing, expressive acting and spectacular martial arts.
The performance offered audiences an opportunity to experience the richness of Chinese traditional culture while underscoring the role of cultural exchanges in fostering understanding and strengthening relations between nations.
