Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu , Senior Zimpapers Reporter
Zimbabwe’s creative and cultural industry holds the transformative power to unite, mobilise and inform the nation, thereby acting as a critical driver of the country’s socio-economic development, President Mnangagwa has said.
He made the remarks yesterday while addressing Chimurenga choir groups at State House in Harare.
The President said the creative industry, particularly cultural music and performance, has historically served as a source of inspiration, fostering a spirit of focus, resilience and hard work among citizens.
“Your music shows the power of the creative cultural industry to unite, entertain, educate and mobilise the people of our great motherland, around one common vision and national development agenda,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Your performances and music are a powerful symbol of hope and inspire countless numbers of our people to remain focused, hard-working and patriotic, while safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of our beloved motherland”.
In a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to the nation’s cultural fabric, the President met with four distinguished choral groups, the Mbare, Zimbabwe, Mbuya Nehanda, and Epworth South Chimurenga choirs. He presented each group with grocery hampers and cash donations to support them during the upcoming festive season.
Addressing Chimurenga choir groups at State House in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa said the creative industry, particularly cultural music and performance, has, over the years, inspired the nation to remain focused, resilient and hard-working.
“Your songs promote unity, harmony and the spirit of hard work towards the development of the country.
“Therefore, it is important that those in the industry, in particular the youths, be constantly reminded of our national philosophy ‘Nyika inovakwa,inotongwa inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa libuswe likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”
The President applauded the choirs for keeping the revolutionary flame and political awareness alive in Zanu-PF and within the nation.
“As President and the leadership as a whole, we appreciate the role you all continue to play towards keeping the revolutionary flame and political awareness alive among our party members and the nation as a whole,” he added.
“Your songs have become instrumental in informing the nation about key national development projects and the progress we are making under the Second Republic.”
President Mnangagwa also commended the founder members of the Chimurenga choirs for their commitment to the values of national pride and development.
The messages in the songs, President Mnangagwa said, fostered a spirit of resilience and perseverance, which has seen the country realise economic milestones over the past few years.
“As President and First Secretary of our ruling revolutionary mass party, Zanu-PF, I thank the founders of our Chimurenga choirs for their pioneering spirit, passion and commitment to the values of national dignity, identity, pride, development, freedom and independence.
“The message of all Chimurenga choirs resonates with the spirit of resilience and perseverance, which saw us successfully wage the protracted liberation struggle for independence.
“It is indeed that same spirit that has seen us realise the development success milestones witnessed under the Second Republic.
“As the respective choir members, you continue to demonstrate unparalleled patriotism; you are true sons and daughters of the soil.
“The Chimurenga spirit and flame are being kept alive through your music. I applaud you for your contributions to our nation’s cultural, music and performing arts landscape.”
He said the hampers were a gesture of acknowledgement for the group’s contribution to the nation.
“Your dedication to both the party and Government programmes is truly commendable.”
Last year, the President met the groups after Christmas Day, but this year he said he “felt it was important to meet earlier as we approach that season to affirm our comradeship, shared national goals and vision.”
The meeting was attended by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere and senior ZANU-PF party members.
