Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa says culture remains the foundation upon which economies, national identity and social cohesion are built.
The President made the remarks while officiating at the Culture Month Celebrations held at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Thursday.
The commemorations coincide with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which was set aside by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and is observed annually on May 21. Zimbabwe has expanded the celebrations by dedicating the entire month of May to culture.
Addressing thousands gathered at the event, President Mnangagwa said cultural diversity should be embraced as a source of unity, innovation and development.
“Culture is the foundation upon which economies are constructed: it is a frontier that forges social cohesion and the fabric upon which the dignity, integrity and identity of a people is derived. As our country joins the international community to promote and celebrate the world’s diverse cultures, we reaffirm that cultural diversity is not a source of division. It is a wellspring for human ingenuity and mutual understanding. It cements unity, peaceful co-existence and propels sustainable development,” he said.
The celebrations showcased Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity through music, dance and traditional exhibitions drawn from across the country’s provinces.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s diversity continues to strengthen national unity and identity.
“This is a testament of who we are as Zimbabweans. We stand with our heads high as magnificent, diverse people, united under one indivisible and unitary state. From Plumtree to Mutare, Zambezi to Limpopo, we are one; Simunye, Sibambene, tirivamwe, takabatana. We sing one National Anthem under one National flag,” he said.
The Head of State stressed the importance of preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage in the face of increasing globalisation pressures.
“The National Culture Month celebrations stand as a bold declaration that we will continue to protect and preserve our heritage. This includes our languages, dances and ceremonies, as well as cuisines, norms and traditions that make our Zimbabwean civilisation unique and very special,” President Mnangagwa added.
He also highlighted the economic potential of the creative and cultural industries, saying Government is putting in place measures to support artists and cultural entrepreneurs as part of efforts to achieve Vision 2030.
“To accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030, we must harness our unique cultural expressions as critical instruments for national development. The ingenuity of our people is an economic asset. To this end, my Government is putting in place enablers for us to exploit and commercialise creativity so that our people earn decent livelihoods. Through cultural tourism and the creative industries, we shall continue to project a confident, modernising and industrialised Zimbabwe to the world,” he said.
Among the key highlights from the President’s address was a call for the reduction of registration and renewal fees for artists, promoters, venues and creative organisations as part of efforts to support growth in the sector.
