Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
CHIREDZI – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabweans must be proud of their cultural diversity and pursue unity to create a conducive environment for national prosperity.
The President who was speaking at the Culture Month National Launch celebrations running under the theme, “Celebrating Indigenous Voices.” held in Chiredzi this Thursday implored Zimbabweans to be proud of their nationality through preserving cultural diversity.
“Let us be proud of who we are, as Zimbabweans and as Africans. This year’s theme seeks to address the historical marginalisation and suppression of indigenous languages of our people in their diversity within Zimbabwe, as a unitary State. Our cultural diversity is not a source of division but a wellspring of strength and unity. Under the Second Republic, we have rolled out various programmes and activities to encourage the use of indigenous languages within Zimbabwe,” he said.
The head of state said embracing different cultures is critical for the modernisation and industrialisation of the country’s economy.
“By amplifying indigenous voices, we are honouring our past and also paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Through embracing our different cultures, we tap into the potential of all communities and march ahead towards a modern, industrialised and prosperous Zimbabwe.
“It is commendable that the National Culture Month commemorations involve the participation of all our people from the grassroots level, in our 10 provinces. This is in line with our heritage-based Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda. All communities have a role to play to ensure the growth and popularisation of cultural and creative sector products and services. Culture is an unshakable foundation and cornerstone of sustainable development,” the President said.
President Mnangagwa said funding has been set aside to ensure filmmakers, researchers and the academia document local heritage for posterity.
“Funds have also been set aside to establish, renovate, and equip culture centres across the country. These centres will serve as hubs for preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, art, and crafts.
“Additionally, the development of film studios to boost the local film industry, along with funding for infrastructure, equipment, and capacity-building programmes for filmmakers, are being supported and prioritised. The production of indigenous content in film, television, and digital media, should ultimately amplify Zimbabwean stories, languages, and diverse cultures.
“I call upon scholars, researchers and the academia, together with community leaders in our various districts and wards, to increase the documentation of our rich and unique cultural heritage, as a way of preserving our norms and values,” he said.
As cultural celebrations cascade to various districts, the media was cautioned against promoting moral decadence.
“I challenge the media, through those responsible for management, editorial and broadcast content, to be aware of the weighty responsibility on their shoulders of promoting sound and upright moral standards in our nation. The media should never be used to promote moral decadence or a national psyche that goes against the grain of our traditions, culture, values and norms.
“While our commemorations continue to chronicle our success stories in cultural renaissance, we still grapple with societal ills affecting the moral fabric of our nation. These include drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, child pregnancies and early child marriages, among others,” he said.
The launch attracted exhibitors of various cultural products, traditional foods, and herbs, among other locally produced items, as well as the dance and music which were being showcased.
President Mnangagwa had an opportunity to tour the exhibitions while thousands of people who converged at Rusununguko Open Grounds gave him a grand welcome.
The event was also attended by the two Vice Presidents General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Colonel (Retired) Kembo Mohadi, among other dignitaries.
