MINISTER of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage Abednico Ncube has urged Zimbabweans to promote and uphold Unhu/Ubuntu while reflecting Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity.
The remarks were made in a speech read on his behalf by the acting secretary in his ministry, Farai Mabhena last week at a ceremony to welcome visiting students studying archaeology, history and anthropology from University of Wales, United Kingdo
m held at the National Art Gallery in the capital.
m held at the National Art Gallery in the capital.
The students are in the country for a cultural exchange programme until January 25 courtesy of Love Zimbabwe Charity in partnership with the University of Wales.
“This is an important cultural exchange programme which will foster a good relationship between Zimbabwe and Wales. My ministry is working tirelessly to increase exchange programmes to enhance the growth of the creative industry,” Ncube said.
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| Abednico Ncube |
“Zimbabwe remains committed to working with anyone around the globe provided he or she regards us as partners. Thus, culture cuts across race, religion, gender and political divide. Let’s cherish and uphold the aspect of Ubuntu for the betterment of our people.”
Speaking to NewsDay on the side-lines of the event, Love Zimbabwe Charity founder and director Martha Musonza-Holman said as part of the programme the visiting students will tour a number of cultural and political institutions in and around Harare to have an understanding of the country.
“The visit by these Wales University students, Love Zimbabwe partners and trustees will help in community development issues. The tourism sector is also set to benefit as we believe this cultural exchange programme will help portray to the world the positive things happening in Zimbabwe at the same time strengthening the relationship between the two countries,” she said.
“During their stay (the students) will also spearhead a brick moulding project and participate in workshops of various interests that include batik, sculpting and beat ornaments.”
Musonza Holman said Love Zimbabwe Charity supports community projects in Wales and Zimbabwe with the aim of engaging different communities to achieve sustainable living for the community within its natural environment and African culture.
“We established the Art and Craft market stalls in United Kingdom where products from Zimbabwean artistes are sold to accord them an opportunity to market their products taking into cognisance property rights in line with international standards while at the same time boosting the Zimbabwe Tourism sector,” she said.
She said the Chinamhora Community was chosen for the pilot project working with Love Zimbabwe and plans are at an advanced stage to spread the wings countrywide.
“For Love Zimbabwe working in partnership with the Chinamhora community has helped both parties to collectively identify what is needed to deal with poverty being experienced in the community providing basic standards of living and work,” Musonza Holman said.
“Love Zimbabwe has set out plans to build a library and a traditional African Village on the Chinamhora community land, where, in future, visitors will be able to stay and experience life in Zimbabwe on a cultural exchange.”
At the event that was attended by some representatives from National Museum and Monuments, traditional leaders and National Art Gallery, Dzivarasekwa-based Tsoro Arts Center group and St Giles’ School Mbira Band provided some entertainment.
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