President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zimbabweans to preserve and promote the country’s cultural heritage, describing culture as a critical pillar for national unity, economic development and the attainment of Vision 2030.
Addressing thousands of people during the launch of the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s rich cultural diversity should remain a source of pride, unity and sustainable development.
“It is my singular honour and privilege to address you all at the launch of the 2026 National Culture Month Celebrations, being held here in the City of Bulawayo.
This City has an identity which is rich in our culture and national history. As such, Bulawayo is a befitting venue for the national celebrations of the World Day for Cultural Diversity; Dialogue and Development,” President Mnangagwa added
The President said this year’s commemorations, running under the theme, “Creativity and Diversity: Advancing Vision 2030 through Cultural Expressions,” were aligned with the country’s National Development Strategy 2 and broader aspirations of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
“Today, we gather to celebrate our way of life as an independent and sovereign people. This important platform also affords us the opportunity to transmit our rich and diverse culture to future generations.
Culture is the foundation upon which economies are constructed; it is a frontier that forges social cohesion and the fabric upon which dignity, integrity and identity of a people is derived,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s diversity was a unifying force that strengthened peace, dialogue and national identity.
“We stand with our heads high as a magnificent-diverse people, united under one indivisible and unitary state. From Plumtree to Mutare, Zambezi to Limpopo, we are one; Simunye, sibambene, tirivamwe, takabatana.
No clan, tribe or province is superior to another. Let us love and respect each other in our diversity as we carry forward the responsibility to build our beloved Zimbabwe,” he noted.
The President warned against cultural erosion brought about by globalisation and misuse of information communication technologies, saying Zimbabwe would continue safeguarding its heritage, traditions and languages.
“The National Culture Month commemorations stand as a bold declaration that we will continue to protect and preserve our heritage. This includes our languages, dances and ceremonies, as well as cuisines, norms and traditions that make our Zimbabwean civilisation unique and very special,” he said.
President Mnangagwa applauded artists, musicians, poets, sculptors and chefs for preserving Zimbabwean identity through creative expression.
“The abundant creativity and talent of our country is a source of national pride. These all constitute a cultural and national inheritance which must be treasured,” he said.
In a major policy announcement, the President revealed that Government had directed the National Arts Council and local authorities to reduce registration and renewal fees for artists, promoters and creative organisations to support growth in the cultural and creative industries.
“I have directed the National Arts Council and Local Authorities to reduce registration fees and renewal levies for artists, promoters, venues and creative organisations. These should be in sync with ease of doing business reforms so that players in the Cultural and Creative Industries can spur growth of the sector,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Government would continue investing in cultural infrastructure and promoting cultural tourism as part of efforts to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
“Culture is good for business. Cultural tourism, creative industries, events and cultural exports remain priority growth areas that are beckoning for investment,” he said.
He also challenged the media and young people to actively promote Zimbabwean culture, languages and heritage.
“To our young people, you are the inheritors and innovators of our culture. You must never perceive culture, tradition and modernity as polarised enemies.
I urge you, the youth of our great motherland Zimbabwe, to know our culture and be proud of who we are as African people. Never apologise for our unique heritage and national traits,” the President noted.
The President concluded by officially declared the 2026 National Culture Month commemorations open, urging Zimbabweans to continue safeguarding unity, peace and development.
Zimbabwe commemorates National Culture Month annually in May in line with the UNESCO-designated World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrated on May 21. The commemorations are aimed at promoting cultural preservation, national unity and the growth of the country’s creative economy.
