Story by Oleen Ndori
Cabinet has begun commemorating Culture Month, with ministers attending this week’s Cabinet sitting dressed in Zimbabwe’s National Fabric.
President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa is leading the initiative, which will continue throughout May and culminate in Africa Day celebrations on May 25.
The move forms part of Government efforts to promote Zimbabwean identity, cultural heritage and national unity through the preservation and celebration of indigenous traditions and artistic expression.
Zimbabwe’s National Fabric is a specially designed cloth incorporating colours and symbols inspired by the national flag, heritage motifs and African artistic designs.
The fabric was introduced to promote a uniquely Zimbabwean dress identity while supporting the country’s textile and clothing industry.
Culture Month, commemorated annually in May, is spearheaded by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Activities held during the month include traditional dance performances, exhibitions, language preservation programmes, culinary showcases, music festivals, poetry and visual arts displays, as well as discussions on heritage preservation.
Authorities say the observance plays an important role in strengthening patriotism, preserving indigenous knowledge systems and promoting the transfer of cultural values between generations.
The commemorations are also expected to create economic opportunities for artists, performers, designers and cultural entrepreneurs operating within Zimbabwe’s creative industries.
