Story by Courage Bushe
VICE President Colonel (Retired) Dr Kembo Mohadi has called on the Lemba community to preserve its cultural heritage, saying indigenous traditions remain central to Zimbabwe’s identity and development.
The Vice President made the remarks during the Lemba cultural celebrations held at Mposi Ground in Danga, Mberengwa District, where hundreds of villagers, traditional leaders, Government officials and guests from South Africa gathered to celebrate the community’s rich heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Vice President Mohadi urged the Lemba people to remain proud of their history and cultural identity.
“National Development Strategy 2 is rooted in culture and heritage. Government recognises these cultural celebrations because they foster development and national unity. If we preserve our culture, we preserve our dignity. That is why the Second Republic emphasises the Heritage-Based Education model,” he said.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, said the celebrations reflect the objectives of the Second Republic’s National Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy.
“Today’s event, held under the theme Our Heritage, Our Strength, resonates with the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy, which recognises indigenous knowledge systems, values and ethics as the foundation of national identity, social cohesion and sustainable wealth creation in line with Vision 2030,” he said.
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Sanyatwe said preserving culture is essential to Zimbabwe’s development.
“Our traditional leaders have seen it fit to hold these celebrations, which are important to our culture. We are empowering communities to document and preserve their heritage. As the nation moves towards an upper-middle-income society, culture and heritage must play a key role,” he said.
President of the South African Lemba Cultural Association, Mr Ishe Pandelani Mutenda, said the celebrations help safeguard the community’s traditions and values.
“Culture is a unifying force. We hold these celebrations to remind future generations of our traditions. The Lemba people are known for discipline and hard work, and we are restoring our history and culture,” he said.
President of the Lemba Cultural Association of Mberengwa, Chief Mposi said the event is vital for preserving Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage.
“This celebration is important not only for the Lemba community but also for preserving Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage. We want our young people to uphold our traditions and cultural values,” he said.
The celebrations featured traditional dance, music and poetry performed in the Lemba language, showcasing the community’s customs and heritage.
