Source: President to lead Culture festivities in Byo – herald
Langalakhe Mabena
BULAWAYO’S vibrant cultural heritage and pivotal role in driving Zimbabwe’s creative economy will come into sharp focus tomorrow as the city hosts national Culture Month celebrations at Barbourfields Stadium, with President Mnangagwa presiding over the event.
Thousands of people from across the country are expected to attend the mega event, which honours Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, while promoting unity in diversity, peaceful co-existence and fostering national pride and identity.
The grand celebrations will feature performances by selected traditional and contemporary dance groups, musicians and comedians, alongside exhibitions and other artistic displays showcasing Zimbabwe’s diverse cultural expressions.
Running under the theme: “Cultural Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030”, the commemorations coincide with World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, observed annually on May 21.
More than 120 artists from across the Matabeleland region have already joined forces in a unique collaboration to produce a 30-minute showcase set to be performed before President Mnangagwa.
The production features some of the region’s leading creative groups, including Matojeni Melo Maniacs, Gog’Bekezela, Iyasa, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Khaya Arts, Ezimnyama Arts Ensemble, Bolamba, Mthwakazi Arts, Simunye Simunye, Thandanani, Bambanani, and Iluba Lemvelo, as well as Vocal Ex.
In line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), launched by President Mnangagwa in November 2025, culture and heritage are deeply embedded as core drivers of national identity, social cohesion, and economic growth.
Running from 2026 to 2030, the economic policy blueprint elevates the cultural and creative industries into key clusters for youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable tourism.
In an interview yesterday, Permanent Secretary for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mr Nicholas Moyo, expressed excitement noting that the hosting of the national Culture Month festivities in Bulawayo was befitting.
He described the programme as a moment for the second largest city to “show off” and demonstrate to the rest of the country that it remains Zimbabwe’s cultural hub.
Mr Moyo said the occasion presents Bulawayo with an opportunity to demonstrate to the nation and the world how deeply the city and region embrace their culture through music, dance and cuisine.
“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,” said Mr Moyo.
He applauded the participation of the artists in large numbers, saying this was significant as it reflects unity, inclusivity and Matabeleland’s rich 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,” said Mr Moyo.
“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.”
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