The Sunday Mail
Nicole Maturure
FINDING ways to strengthen and promote cultural diversity is a crucial step in nation-building, the authorities have said.
May has been designated as the Culture Month, a period that offers a chance to promote and showcase the diversity of Zimbabwean culture.
This encompasses both the indigenous and contemporary qualities of cultural expressions.
“Culture Month celebrations must reach different communities so that they appreciate the richness and diversity of our culture. This year, the celebrations create a platform for building diverse cultural relationships in the country by offering opportunities for dialogue development through conferences,” said Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Dr Kirsty Coventry.
The Minister reckons there is need to preserve our culture for future generations.
“One of the most inspiring aspects of Culture Month is the way communities come together to celebrate their heritage. In cities across the world, people have come together to organise cultural festivals, music and dance performances, and cultural exhibitions, bringing people from all walks of life together as they celebrate diversity. It is important to safeguard our culture for future generations,” said Dr Coventry.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe spokesperson Rodney Ruwende is pleased with the developments.
“Government’s commitment has resulted in increased involvement in the Culture Month celebrations. Participation by the public and practitioners of the cultural and creative sector has been phenomenal. Culture Month is poised to reach its objective of increasing the consumption of Zimbabwean cultural products,” notes Ruwende.
This year’s National Culture Month celebrations are being held under the theme “Promoting Cultural Diversity, Unity and Peace”.
The activities are expected to attract delegates from Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.
President Mnangagwa is set to officially launch this year’s edition in Binga on May 27.
The revelries serve as a reminder of the power of culture — art, music, dance and tradition.
“The celebrations are aimed at promoting and highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and the significance of preserving cultural heritage. This year is unique in that the ongoing Culture Month celebrations have been designed into a 30-day programme with weekly themes,” added Ruwende.
Themed activities for the Culture Month include Traditional Cuisines Week Celebrations; the Countrywide African Languages Week; Fashion Week Celebrations; the Cultural Dialogue Week and the Mixed Bag/Potpourri Week. Not only will the Culture Month provide an opportunity for people to connect with their cultural roots, but it will also help raise awareness on the importance of cultural diversity in society.
Culture Month is an extension of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which was first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002, following UNESCO’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.
