The Sunday News
Robin Muchetu in Insiza
POMP and fanfare! That is what probably summed up yesterday’s event at Godlwayo Cultural Centre in Insiza’s Avoca, Matabeleland South. Villagers, businesspeople, schoolchildren, traditional leaders all thronged the usually quiet area of Avoca to witness the launch of the National Culture Week which was presided over by Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko. It was an exhibition of traditional and modern way of life and women wore elegant traditional attires that complemented the event and stood out for all to see. The VP was not to be outdone as he stepped in clad in a brown and white cow skin attire complete with a walking stick.
As traditional leaders from various areas stepped in, acclaimed praise poet Lerato “Nqindi” Ndlovu charmed the crowd with his vast knowledge of chiefs’ totems. Despite the chilly weather people came in large numbers to witness the event.
VP Mpoko said culture is what makes up a people and there was a need to promote and preserve it. He bemoaned the fact that youths were not respecting adults and emphasised that they should re-orient themselves.
“Rich, educated, poor or what parents need to be respected. They are the ones who help us understand our culture. It’s like young people insulting our President. That is not tolerated at all,” he said.
The VP said people should tolerate each other despite their cultural differences. He was particularly impressed by one poet Ms Simayedwa Khumalo whom he said should assist school children in learning various totems.
School children from Zezani in Beitbridge performed a Venda dance that required them to be given some token of money to leave the stage and the VP stood from his seat to appease the young girls. Senator Tambudzani Mohadi, the Beitbridge Senator also supported the young girls by lying down on the dusty ground in typical Venda fashion as they waited to be appeased. The VP and his family were given a beast by the local chief, Chief Vezi Muduna for gracing the occasion.
Rural Development, Preservation and Promotion of Culture and Heritage Minister Abednico Ncube said the event was an opportunity to remind communities and the country at large about the importance of culture.
“These events have an impact on our culture. People have to appreciate the diversity of culture. I am happy that even our schools have embraced culture in their activities,” he said.
The National Arts Council also presented the Mphoko family with various artifacts that celebrate culture. There were also donations made to support the centre. JR Goddard Construction Company donated $2 000, Debshan Ranch $2000, Mjayeli Security assisted with the roofing material for the centre, Cover Stores donated 20 buckets of paint while chiefs donated 10 goats and 74 kilogrammes of rice. Other well-wishers also donated 10 beasts.
