TellZim Reporter
Masvingo culture month provincial launch on June 24, 2022 at Chitanga Primary School in Mwenezi was a big success, National Arts Council (NAC) has confirmed.
NAC Provincial Manager Helen Mudefi said six out of the province’s seven districts pitched up for the annual event with the exception of Zaka which failed to make it.
“The launch was a success with a total of six districts turning up for the event while Zaka failed to attend. Entertainment was across all age groups where learners and students from Masvingo Teachers College and other community groups showcased different dance and exhibitions from different ethnic groups.
“All strategic stakeholders attended. Government ministries, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Great Zimbabwe National Monuments, community members as well as traditional leaders custodians of our culture were there. Such an attendance means appreciation of our cultures in Masvingo,” said Mudefi.
She said quite a number of exhibitions were witnessed pointing to cultural diversity across the divide.
“Mwenezi being a rainbow district, we selected entertainers from the following groupings Ndebele, Venda, Ndau, Shangani and Karanga speaking people. A number of exhibitors lined up and added value to the event with traditional herbs, fruits, culinary arts, pottery, basketry and fashion designers mounded their stands,” she said.
However, on a positive note Mudefi said the guest of honour Masvingo Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira challenged local authorities to ensure a chunk of devolution funds is budgeted towards culture-oriented initiatives.
“In his official launch speech Minister Chadzamira encouraged local authorities to budget for cultural activities from devolution funds. To appreciate our differences and diversity in cultural terms and explore the many ways we can express our unity, happiness and development as a province, culture projects need to be prioritised,” added Mudefi.
The occasion was graced by Chiefs Chitanga (host), Mazungunye (Bikita), Nyakunhuwa (Zaka), Makore (Gutu), Shindi and Nemauzhe (Chivi).
