Story by Tafara Chikumira
CONSTRUCTION of the Shangwe Cultural Village in Gokwe North is nearing completion, with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works formally handing over the facility to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, marking a critical step towards the project’s operationalisation.
The handover clears the way for the final preparations needed to open the cultural village, which is expected to become a key centre for heritage preservation, cultural tourism, and local economic activity in the Midlands Province.
The first phase of the project has been completed and includes core traditional structures such as the gota/nhanga and dare, which symbolise community governance, social interaction and cultural continuity within the broader Shona tradition. The layout reflects the interconnected nature of traditional life, while also highlighting the distinct identity of the Shangwe people.
Community leaders and residents have welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone for cultural recognition and economic inclusion.
Headman Nembudziya said the project would help showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity to the world.
“I would like to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa for coming up with such a noble initiative that puts us on the world map. We have unique products as people, as we are going to show the world our food and the way we do our festivities,” Headman, Nembudziya said.
Local residents expressed optimism that the cultural village would attract tourists and create employment opportunities for surrounding communities.
“We are very happy with the level of development in our area. We are hopeful to see a lot of tourists coming to witness the Shangwe and Tonga way of life here. We are happy with the progress in our area. We now look forward to having jobs at the facility,” residents said.
Gokwe North Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tasiiwa Munyawu, said stakeholders were ready to support the responsible ministry to ensure the facility becomes fully functional.
“We are looking forward to working with the responsible ministry to ensure that the place gets the necessary support to be operational. We want to witness the Shangwe culture here. We want to see the traditional artefacts that depict the culture of the particular group here,” Mr Munyawu added.
The Shangwe Cultural Village is intended to preserve, document and celebrate the Shangwe way of life for future generations, while also promoting cultural tourism and inclusive development.
Predominantly found in Gokwe North, the Shangwe community has historically had limited formal platforms to showcase its heritage. The project aligns with the Second Republic’s development philosophy of leaving no place and no one behind, by recognising culture as both a social asset and an economic driver.
Once operational, the cultural village is expected to contribute to local livelihoods, strengthen cultural pride and enhance Zimbabwe’s tourism offering.
