By Shadreck Gurenje
President Mnangagwa has said the nation’s cultural diversity is not a source of division but a wellspring of strength and unity.
Giving his keynote address at the Launch of the Culture month in Tshovani village Chiredzi today , President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa said the launch of the National Culture Month commemorations is in line with the Second Republic’s heritage-based Devolution and Decentralisation Agenda.
This year’s commemorations where being celebrated under the theme , “Celebrating Indigenous Voices”.
“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, as one unitary state.
“By amplifying indigenous voices, we are honoring our past and also paving 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 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. Sehurumende yeZANU PF, tinoti, hakuna munhu kana dunhu rinofanira kusara kumashure,”said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa also reiterated that Culture is an unshakable foundation and cornerstone of sustainable development.
“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.
“Tinokutendai Madzimambo edu, ndimi munochengeta tsika nemagariro edu. Munobatanidza vanhu nekukurudzira runyararo mumatunhu akasiyana-siyana.
“The preservation of our culture requires more than just ceremonies and festivals. Let us deliberately work to ensure that our cultural practices are passed down to future generations, beginning at the household level. Mhuri yega-yega ngaikoshese tsika dzedu. Let us teach our children and young people our cultural values and traditions,”said President Mnangagwa.
The Head of State and Government also underscored that under the 2025 National Budget Government allocated significant resources so that the creative and cultural industries foster economic growth and promote job creation.
“From the Government’s side, we stand ready to invest in education, infrastructure, and the arts as well as to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation and the creative industries. We will continue to empower our artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners, in recognition of their contribution to our national identity, image and pride as the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe.
“This is reflected in the 2025 National Budget, where Government allocated significant resources so that the creative and cultural industries foster economic growth, job creation, peace, unity and social cohesion.
“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,”said President Mnangagwa.