The Sunday News
Lungile Tshuma
Sunday News Correspondent
VICE-President Phelekezela Mphoko is expected to launch the country’s first National Culture Day to be held in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province on 21 May.
The National Culture Day is meant to foster unity through celebrating cultural diversity. Chief Vezi Maduna, who will host the event, told Sunday News that preparations were under way and several meetings with local businesspeople in the district have been held so that they can also support the event.
He challenged people from the district to support the event and applauded President Mugabe’s move of setting up the Ministry of Rural Development, Preservation and Promotion of Culture and Heritage which is headed by Cde Abednico Ncube.
“I want to first thank the Government for setting up this very important separate Ministry of Culture. It is important for our children to know their identity, roots and understand what society expects from them,” said Chief Maduna.
“We are expecting our Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko to be the guest of honour. The day will be characterised by music and dance of different cultures as it is crucial for people to celebrate their cultural diversity.”
Chief Maduna who is also a former senator warned against cultural decay before urging elders to help youths to be proud of their culture.
Said Chief Maduna: “There is no culture which is more important than the other. All cultures are equal and should be celebrated equally. Societies should be aware and take measures in promoting their cultures. I am happy that the Government has decided to set up a ministry to deal with culture.”
Insiza South legislator Cde Malaki Nkomo said the district was ready to host such a prestigious national event.
“The district once held its own culture day and it was very successful. It is that event which led to us being given the mandate of hosting the first National Culture Day. The Government is working with us in preparing the event but as the host we have to take a leading role and I do trust the community because it has been very supportive,” said Cde Nkomo.
