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Mnangagwa to lead Culture festivities in Bulawayo
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Bulawayo is set to take centre stage tomorrow as it hosts Zimbabwe's national Culture Month celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to preside over the event.
Thousands of people from across the country are anticipated to attend the celebrations, which aim to honour Zimbabwe's rich cultural heritage while promoting unity in diversity, peaceful co-existence and national pride.
The event will feature performances by traditional and contemporary dance groups, musicians and comedians, alongside exhibitions and artistic displays showcasing the country's diverse cultural expressions.
This year's commemorations are being held under the theme, "Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030," in line with the global observance of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, commemorated annually on May 21.
More than 120 artists from across the Matabeleland region have collaborated on a special 30-minute showcase that will be performed before President Mnangagwa.
The production will feature several leading arts groups, including Iyasa, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Khaya Arts, Mthwakazi Arts and other cultural ensembles from the region.
The celebrations also align with the government's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), launched in November 2025, which identifies culture and heritage as important pillars for national identity, social cohesion and economic development.
The policy framework, running from 2026 to 2030, positions cultural and creative industries as key sectors for youth empowerment, employment creation and tourism growth.
Speaking ahead of the event, Permanent Secretary for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo said Bulawayo's selection as host city was fitting given its longstanding role as Zimbabwe's cultural capital.
"Bulawayo being chosen to host the national Culture Month celebrations is a strong recognition of the city's rich cultural heritage and its contribution to the growth of Zimbabwe's arts sector," he said.
"Hosting these celebrations gives the city and its creatives a platform to showcase their talent, identity and cultural pride on a national stage. This is the time for the city to show off that it is indeed a cultural hub."
Moyo praised the participation of artists from across the Matabeleland region, describing it as a reflection of unity, inclusivity and cultural diversity.
"Bulawayo is cosmopolitan and home to many cultures found across the region. This is a rare and important opportunity for the people of Matabeleland to tell their own stories through music, dance, fashion, language and traditional performances before His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, and the nation at large," he said.
He added that culture remains an important tool for preserving identity and strengthening social cohesion.
"Culture is a powerful tool for identity preservation and social cohesion. It is, therefore, important for Bulawayo to embrace such an opportunity to celebrate and preserve its heritage for future generations," Moyo said.
Thousands of people from across the country are anticipated to attend the celebrations, which aim to honour Zimbabwe's rich cultural heritage while promoting unity in diversity, peaceful co-existence and national pride.
The event will feature performances by traditional and contemporary dance groups, musicians and comedians, alongside exhibitions and artistic displays showcasing the country's diverse cultural expressions.
This year's commemorations are being held under the theme, "Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030," in line with the global observance of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, commemorated annually on May 21.
More than 120 artists from across the Matabeleland region have collaborated on a special 30-minute showcase that will be performed before President Mnangagwa.
The production will feature several leading arts groups, including Iyasa, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Khaya Arts, Mthwakazi Arts and other cultural ensembles from the region.
The celebrations also align with the government's National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), launched in November 2025, which identifies culture and heritage as important pillars for national identity, social cohesion and economic development.
Speaking ahead of the event, Permanent Secretary for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo said Bulawayo's selection as host city was fitting given its longstanding role as Zimbabwe's cultural capital.
"Bulawayo being chosen to host the national Culture Month celebrations is a strong recognition of the city's rich cultural heritage and its contribution to the growth of Zimbabwe's arts sector," he said.
"Hosting these celebrations gives the city and its creatives a platform to showcase their talent, identity and cultural pride on a national stage. This is the time for the city to show off that it is indeed a cultural hub."
Moyo praised the participation of artists from across the Matabeleland region, describing it as a reflection of unity, inclusivity and cultural diversity.
"Bulawayo is cosmopolitan and home to many cultures found across the region. This is a rare and important opportunity for the people of Matabeleland to tell their own stories through music, dance, fashion, language and traditional performances before His Excellency, President Mnangagwa, and the nation at large," he said.
He added that culture remains an important tool for preserving identity and strengthening social cohesion.
"Culture is a powerful tool for identity preservation and social cohesion. It is, therefore, important for Bulawayo to embrace such an opportunity to celebrate and preserve its heritage for future generations," Moyo said.
Source - The Herald
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