Bulawayo, (New Ziana)— President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday commended traditional leaders for their stewardship in preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
He was speaking at the launch of the National Culture Month in Bulwayo, and implored traditional leaders to continue being the torchbearers in preserving the country’s rich, diverse culture.
“Your role as the custodians of our traditions, languages and belief systems is irreplaceable,” he said.
He stressed the need for collaboration between traditional leaders and stakeholders in the Culture and Creative Industries to ensure that sacred knowledge systems, ceremonies and cultural values are documented and protected.
He also underscored the importance of holding cultural festivals within communities to entrench the unique norms, values and traditions of respective societies.
“I, further, recommend that Cultural Festivals be held among communities to entrench the unique norms, values and traditions of your respective societies,” President Mnangagwa said.
National Culture Month, commemorated annually in May, brings together artists, traditional leaders, cultural groups, schools and communities in celebrating Zimbabwe’s diverse heritage through music, dance, language, fashion, food and traditional practices.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders said they were committed to supporting the documentation and preservation of the country’s cultural values and indigenous heritage as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s identity for future generations, Chiefs Council president.
The pledge was made by Chiefs Council president, chief Lucas Mtshane Kumalo, at the same event.
The month-long commemorations are being held under government’s broader drive to promote cultural preservation, national identity and the creative industries as part of the country’s socio-economic development agenda.
These are running under the theme “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions.”
Chief Khumalo said traditional leaders would work closely with government to ensure that oral traditions, indigenous knowledge systems and customary practices are preserved across communities nationwide.
“Traditional leaders are the natural partners in this initiative that government is driving and we pledge our full cooperation and active participation in every district and every province,” he said.
The traditional leader said chiefs across the country recognised the importance of protecting intangible cultural heritage, including oral histories, ceremonies, medicinal knowledge and indigenous languages.
“We commit to actively participate in the documentation and preservation of our communities’ intangible cultural heritage, ensuring that oral histories, ceremonies, medicinal knowledge and customary practices are recorded for posterity.
“We commit to championing the use of our indigenous languages in our jurisdictions, in our courts, our gatherings and our homes,” he said.
Chief Khumalo advised young people to embrace their cultural identity, saying heritage and tradition were key foundations for national development and social cohesion.
“To our young people, the schoolchildren gathered here, the youth, the emerging artists and creators who are here today, and those watching across the country, I speak to you directly. Your elders and your traditions are not your limitations.
“As your inheritance, they become your springboard. Continually seek to know and understand your cultural heritage because these things will not make you less of a modern person, they will make you a complete one,” he said.
He said Zimbabweans who understood their cultural roots were better positioned to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation at large.
New Ziana
