By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO-The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and Great Zimbabwe University
(GZU) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in
arts education, research, innovation and the promotion of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage on
October 20, 2026, at GZU’s Law School.
Speaking at the ceremony, (NACZ) CEO, Napoleon Nyanhi said the university was a suitable
partner because of its work in promoting heritage-based education under the Education 5.0
model.
“It is quite exciting for the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to enter into this agreement with
Great Zimbabwe University. The university has done a great job in advancing Education 5.0 and
promoting heritage-based education. We are grateful to have a partner that can help us raise the
bar in promoting our heritage, culture and history as the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Nyanhi said signing the agreement in Masvingo was significant because of the historical
importance of Great Zimbabwe, which he described as a source of national pride and identity.
“Great Zimbabwe is at the heart of our country, and Zimbabwe’s name is derived from it. This is
where our pride comes from. We find it significant to sign this agreement in Masvingo, near
Great Zimbabwe, because as we move forward, we need to understand where we are coming
from. If we know our roots as a people, we will be better placed to move forward,” he said.
He added that the partnership would create opportunities for the two institutions to organise
cultural and heritage events together, including efforts to revive the Dzimbahwe Festival.
“We are also quite excited about co-hosting events and supporting each other in bringing cultural
and heritage activities to the people. The Dzimbabwe Festival is one event that has become less
active, and we are excited that conversations have started on how we can revive it,” said Nyanhi.
GZU Vice Chancellor, Professor Rungano Zvobgo urged both institutions to take the agreement
seriously, saying arts and culture were fundamental to national identity and development.
“Let us take this MoU seriously because culture and the arts are really the basis of a nation’s life.
They shape our national activities and constantly remind the people of Zimbabwe of who we are
as Zimbabweans. If we do not have strong arts and culture divisions in our lives, we are poorer
for it. I think it is important that we strengthen our relationship through this MoU,” he said.
He said the university would continue encouraging students to participate in arts festivals and
apply what they learn to promoting culture in their communities.
“I am grateful that we are able to sign this agreement with NACZ, working together with the
university’s arts division. We have our students participating in arts festivals, and we teach them
to embrace and promote the arts in their own lives. As they do so, they can take this knowledge
and appreciation into their communities and other areas where they live,” said Prof Zvobgo.
He also stressed the need to educate communities about their
