Story by Oleen Ndori
MASVINGO Province will host the 2025 Culture Month launch next month, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa set to preside over the event in Chikombedzi.
In a Post Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Culture Month to be held under the theme: “Celebrating Indigenous Voices” aims to promote and honour diverse culture within Zimbabwe.
“The 2025 National Cultural Month will be held under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices.” The objectives are to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Zimbabwe, promote cultural diversity and foster national unity, to showcase the diverse cultural practices through various forms that include dance, food, attire, visual arts, literary arts, film, television music and poetry, and to promote intellectual dialogue for cross-cultural understanding and exchange,” he said.
“The National Culture Month Launch will be presided over by His Excellency President Mnangagwa on a date to be advised at the homestead of Chief Tshovani in Masvingo Province. The event will celebrate our identity and diverse cultures. It will also be a platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s success stories in cultural development and its commitment to fulfilling regional and international protocols that promote the growth of the creative and cultural industries.
“The first week will focus on encouraging historical recipes and cooking techniques, connecting modern eaters to their culinary heritage. The second week will be an Indigenous Fashion Week where the colourful and unique forms of cultural wear will be rolled out. The third week is the National Culture Month launch while the fourth week is the Indigenous Languages and Cultural Dialogue Week.”
Cabinet also discussed Zimbabwe’s bid for the United Nations Security Council seat which has been endorsed by SADC and the African Union.
“Cabinet considered and approved Zimbabwe’s Campaign Strategy on the country’s candidature for a Non-Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council for the term 2027-2028. Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term has already been endorsed by both the Southern African Development Community and the African Union and will be officially launched by President Mnangagwa in Harare, and in New York during the 80th Session of United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. The outcome will be the reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to upholding international peace and security as well as the generation of international goodwill towards the country.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira unpacked the benefits for Zimbabwe to have a seat on the council.
“We look at the importance of respecting international law, which is in our Constitution, peaceful coexistence of this country with its neighbours near and far, as well as the peaceful resolution of any disputes that might arise in this world. But most of all, Section 12, Subsection 2 of the same Constitution says Zimbabwe shall belong to Africa as a pan-Africanist country but belong to the United Nations and take its responsibility for the promotion of peace, progress, and prosperity.”
An update on the Second Round Crop, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report was also given.
“The Report indicates that the area planted to maize increased from 1 728 897 hectares (ha) in the 2023/24 season to 1 839 373 hectares in the 2024/25 season. The 6.4% increase is marginally above the target of 1 800 000 hectares. Based on this assessment, maize production in the 2024/25 season is estimated at 2 293 556 metric tonnes, the fourth highest ever production by the country. The production of tobacco, cotton and sunflower increased by 15%, 52% and 303%, respectively.
“The total national herd is at 5.7 million, a 0.4% increase on last year with communal areas dominating and accounting for 64% of the total cattle population. A total of 94 623 metric tonnes of beef was produced in 2024, compared to 90 000 metric tonnes in 2023. Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Midlands were the top milk-producing provinces in 2024, accounting for 89% of the country’s production of 115 million litres last year, a 10% increase from last year. Overall fish production in 2024 is 31 296 metric tonnes, while crocodile skin sales increased by 34%,” Dr Muswere stated.
Cabinet also discussed issues relating to energy and water inflows in the Zambezi River along with progress made at various 100-day cycle day projects.
