Source: Culture an economic asset, says President‘. . . it creates jobs, strengthens unity’ – herald
Mashudu Netsianda
Bulawayo Bureau
CULTURE and heritage are central pillars in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation agenda, with President Mnangagwa yesterday describing the country’s rich diversity and creative industries as critical drivers of industrialisation and economic growth towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday, the President said Zimbabwe’s culture was not merely a symbol of identity, but an economic asset capable of creating jobs, boosting tourism and strengthening national unity.
It was held under the theme: “Creativity and diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through cultural expressions”.
The event brought together people from all the country’s 10 provinces in a colourful showcase of traditional dances, indigenous cuisine, languages, music and fashion.
The theme dovetails with the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 2, which seeks to position culture and the creative economy at the centre of national development, said President Mnangagwa.
“Today, we gather to celebrate our way of life as an independent and sovereign people. This important platform also affords us the opportunity to transmit our rich and diverse culture to future generations.
“After all, culture is the foundation upon which economies are constructed, it is a frontier that forges social cohesion and the fabric upon which dignity, integrity and identity of a people is derived.”
President Mnangagwa said harnessing the country’s unique cultural expressions was critical in accelerating the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The ingenuity of our people is an economic asset. To this end, my Government is putting in place enablers for us to exploit and commercialise creativity so that our people earn decent livelihoods,” he said. “Through cultural tourism and the creative industries, we shall continue to project a confident, modernising and industrialising Zimbabwe to the world.”
President Mnangagwa applauded artists, sculptors, poets, musicians, chefs and cultural practitioners for preserving and promoting Zimbabwean heritage through their creativity.
“I commend creatives and artists throughout our nation, who carve masterpieces from stone and wood; musicians who fuse lyrics, ngoma (ingungu), mbira, hosho (amahlwayi), among others,” he said
“We also celebrate the poets, vadetembi (imbongi), our wordsmiths, who summon the wisdom of generations into verse and rhyme; and our chefs who transform the produce from our land into ingredients for our indigenous gastronomy to feed and nourish the nation.”
The President further noted that the abundant creativity and talent in the country is a source of national pride.
“These all constitute a cultural and national inheritance, bequeathed to us, as products of our civilisation, which must be treasured. To date, Zimbabwe takes pride in the many officially recognised national languages,” he said.
“We are a nation of diverse peoples who have chosen, generation after generation, to build a shared future together, brick by brick and stone upon stone. The diversity we are celebrating today, must forever remain our strength and the glue that unites us.”
Through cultural tourism, festivals, exhibitions and creative exports, the President said Zimbabwe would continue projecting itself as a confident and industrialising nation.
To unlock the sector’s potential, the President said he has already directed the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and local authorities to reduce registration fees and renewal levies for artists, promoters and creative organisations in line with ease of doing business reforms.
He called upon the corporate sector to invest in the cultural and creative economy, saying partnerships with the Government would help establish infrastructure, skills development centres and employment opportunities for talented youths.
“On their part, practitioners in the creative and cultural industries are challenged to collaborate for the production of authentic, ethical and uniquely Zimbabwean content,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Similarly, your performances, displays and products must earn our country a befitting reputation for ‘Brand Zimbabwe,’ with the associated economic benefits.”
He paid tribute to Zimbabweans, including those in the diaspora, who are establishing community-based tourism products that advance the country’s heritage and cuisines.
The Second Republic recognised culture as inseparable from the country’s modernisation and industrialisation agenda, with the President saying investment in heritage infrastructure was already underway.
He cited the recently commissioned Isizinda Culture Centre in Matobo District by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, on the eve of the 46th Independence Anniversary, as one of the initiatives aimed at preserving heritage while improving community livelihoods.
“The importance of fostering social cohesion and national unity through arts and culture cannot be overemphasised. In a world where diversity is often weaponised, we must choose the progressive path of unity, peace-building and peace-making,” said President Mnangagwa.
He challenged Zimbabweans in the diaspora and those representing the country internationally to proudly showcase Zimbabwean culture, heritage and craftsmanship on global platforms.
“Our beloved motherland recognises heritage and culture as an enabler that safeguards and guarantees a prosperous future for all people. Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Our young people are the inheritors and innovators of our culture and must never perceive culture, tradition and modernity as polarised enemies. I urge you, the youth of our great motherland, Zimbabwe to know our culture and be proud of who we are as African people. Never apologise for our unique heritage and national traits,” he said.
Turning to traditional leaders, he challenged them to work with stakeholders in documenting and safeguarding indigenous knowledge systems, ceremonies, languages and traditions for future generations.
A similar challenge was thrown to the media, which had to continue promoting Zimbabwean cultural content and unity beyond the commemorations.
The Culture Month commemorations coincide with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and are expected to run throughout the month, with activities being held across the country.
The post Culture an economic asset, says President‘. . . it creates jobs, strengthens unity’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.