Byo has every reason to celebrate

27 Jul, 2014 - 05:07 0 Views

The Sunday News

THE year 2014 is a special one for the city of Bulawayo. The city is celebrating 120 years since being declared a city. There are probably 120 reasons to celebrate although some will argue that there is not much to celebrate about as the city is slowly becoming a ghost city with industry shutting down and water problems that have dogged the city for more than 100 years. Yes. The city does have problems. But which city is free from problems? Problems or no problems there are still many reasons for us to take to the street and indulge ourselves in some little celebratory dance. For example we believe we must celebrate the resilience and spirit of never-surrender that lives among Bulawayo’s residents. We believe it is also important just to celebrate the cosmopolitan nature of the city itself.

On 1 June this year the city officially launched the 120 years celebration. This was done with pomp and fan-fare. The launch began with a train ride to Figtree — about 35 kilometres from Bulawayo. Most might not have seen the significance of the train ride but it was important as it reminded many of the first steam engine to ride into Bulawayo. It was also a reminder that the headquarters of the Railways was and continues to be in Bulawayo. Once upon a time the railway was the nerve centre of the economy, connecting industry and the region together and after the ride there was a beautiful procession from the railway station to the City Hall car park where the main event took place. It was striking to see the white community of Bulawayo taking part in the procession with their vintage cars. After the procession the history of Bulawayo was told in both speech and drama with the likes of Umkhathi Theatre Works, Clement Magwaza and music legends Black Umfolosi taking turns to entertain the crowds.

Looking back to that 1st of June launch, I think as a city we missed a big opportunity to showcase our diversity. This was one occasion where the city could have flaunted and publicly encouraged interaction, understanding and respect between different ethnic communities that reside in the city. The celebration was and is still the best opportunity to celebrate our diversity in languages, cultures and beliefs. True, there are some corners that get jittery whenever diversity is mentioned. But I believe diversity should not be seen as a problem or threat but as a serious resource.

Back to the celebrations. They are not over yet. One message that has been clear from the organising committee is that the celebrations are an on-going event. The city must be in a celebratory mood till December. Events continue to happen in different parts of the city. As I write I am aware of planned events in sports, arts and culture, health and several other sectors.

Last week the arts and culture committee held a traditional dance competition for youths at Indlovu Youth Centre in Tshabalala. This was in preparation for the Youth Day to be held at Inyathi Youth Centre.

Though participation was not as good as expected the audience was sizeable and excitable. Impumelelo Shinning Stars was the guest group and they lived up to their billing. Woza Africa came tops in the competition and will be performing at the Youth Day on the 30th of August at Inyathi Youth Centre. On this day there are different activities planned to mark Bulawayo’s 120 years celebration. There will be drum majorettes from different youth centres, soccer, netball, and a full programme of entertainment by Bulawayo’s youth.

There is also a planned photo exhibition called Bulawayo in 120 photos. This is planned for August and will take place at the National Art Gallery. A food fair is planned to coincide with the opening of this exhibition. In September, to continue the celebrations, Intwasa Arts Festival will host a couple of events to mark Bulawayo’s 120 years.

Our wish was to see the different communities of this city coming out and celebrating in their different ways. It is unfortunate that most decided to sit back and watch from the comfort of their own homes. Everyone must take ownership of the celebrations and make the year more exciting.

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