…Prof Zvobgo bemoans absence of national dress
Itai Muzondo/ Upenyu Chaota
Masvingo – Running under the theme, Reclaiming Our Africanness Now, the eighth edition of the Dzimbahwe Arts Festival (DAF) kicked off last night at Masvingo’s Charles Austin Theatre with breathe taking performances from local, national and regional artistes.
GZU Vice Chancellor Prof Rungano Zvobgo
Supporting acts from Award winning Intwasa Cultural Dance Group, upcoming Sahwira Mbira Group and intriguing stand-up comedian Doc Vikela kept the audience on their toes for the better part of the night.
Speaking ahead of the three day event, GZU Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo said Dzimbabwe has remained one of the major events by the university which help to sell and make people understand the Zimbabwean culture and heritage.
“Culture defines who we are. This is why GZU has the mandate to educate the nation through such festivals what it means to be Zimbabweans. Those who do not know the importance of being Zimbabwean let alone African have resorted to adopt the kill culture and to them, I say shame,” Zvobgo said.
“We do not know how to define ourselves. Since independence, we do not know how to dress. When we visit other countries, you can easily recognise a Nigerian or a South African because of dressing. It is different when it comes to Zimbabwe where you can only recognise your fellow after he or she has spoken a word from our native languages.
“GZU should then ponder in advancing our role as a college that advocates for advancement of African Culture and Heritage until we realise the importance of our fore father’s butter trading tradition as compared to the mare exchange of notes and coins,” added Zvobgo.
