Harare, (New Ziana)- As the country observes National Culture Month, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday urged Zimbabweans to reflect on, celebrate, and promote their traditions.
Speaking ahead of the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development shortly before the Cabinet meeting at State House, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of cultural pride and unity as the country celebrates its rich and diverse heritage.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared May 21 as the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development to provide a global platform for promoting cultural diversity and understanding.
“As we gather today, adorned in our national dress, we do so not merely as a symbolic gesture but as a profound affirmation of our identity, heritage, and cultural pride,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The Month of May, designated as the National Culture Month, serves as a time for reflection, celebration, and the promotion of Zimbabwean traditions that define us as a people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa explained that as a show of solidarity, Government Ministers had agreed to wear the national dress for the Cabinet meeting as part of the month-long cultural celebration.
He said the attire was more than fabric and design, but a representation of the country’s history, values, and aspirations.
The celebration of Zimbabwe’s culture is not merely a symbolic gesture, he said, but a profound affirmation of the country’s identity.
“Let today serve as a reminder that our culture is not static—it is dynamic, evolving, and deeply interwoven with our national identity,” he said, urging leaders and citizens to carry the spirit of the month beyond May, to ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of pride and cultural consciousness.
This year the theme for the National Culture Month, which President Mnangagwa will formally launch soon, is “Celebrating Indigenous Voices.”
The month-long celebrations will offer a window to showcase the diversity of Zimbabwean culture, incorporating both indigenous and contemporary cultural expressions.
Thy also coincide with the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its place in the global dialogue on cultural preservation and appreciation.
By embracing their national dress, Cabinet Ministers are not only honouring Zimbabwe’s traditions, but also reinforcing the importance of preserving and showcasing cultural diversity on the world stage.
New Ziana
