Bulawayo has been hailed as Zimbabwe’s cultural heartbeat and a key driver of national development, with Government officials saying the city’s heritage, diversity and creative industries remain central to the attainment of Vision 2030.
Speaking during Bulawayo Day and the Bulawayo arts festival commemorations, Minister of State for provincial affairs and devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan province Judith Ncube said the city continues to distinguish itself as a centre of cultural expression and national unity.
She said the celebrations, held under the theme “Building Bridges, Preserving Connections,” came shortly after the successful hosting of the National Culture Month launch at Barbourfields Stadium, which was officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Bulawayo, once again has demonstrated its capacity to host major national events while showcasing its cultural richness and unity in diversity.When we celebrate Bulawayo, we are not just celebrating a city; we are celebrating the undeniable cultural heartbeat of Zimbabwe,” said Ncube.
She described Bulawayo as an epicentre of history, a cradle of the liberation struggle and a hub of artistic excellence, adding that its cultural diversity remains one of its strongest assets.Ncube said Government was deliberately mainstreaming the creative and cultural industries as part of broader economic transformation efforts.
“The cultural and creative industries create employment, foster innovation and drive tourism. Culture is not only about identity; it is also an economic asset,” she said.
She added that artists had a critical role in promoting national unity and social cohesion, noting that performances at the National Culture Month launch demonstrated the strength of collective cultural expression.
“It proved to the entire nation that our diversity is not a fault line; it is our crowning glory,” she said.
Ncube said the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) recognises culture as a key pillar in youth empowerment, heritage preservation and economic development.
She urged collaboration between Government, local authorities, traditional leaders and the private sector in advancing sustainable development.
“Development becomes sustainable when we share the same vision and remain connected. If we want to go far, we must go together,” she said.
As Bulawayo marked 132 years since its declaration as a town, Ncube called on residents to protect the city’s heritage and support local creatives as part of building a stronger cultural economy.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, Deputy Minister Albert Tawanda Mavhunga said Bulawayo remained a symbol of resilience, innovation and national pride.
He said the city’s historical significance, from the reign of King Lobengula to its role in the liberation struggle, continued to shape its identity and contribution to national development.
“Bulawayo has always stood as a city of vision and strength. It has remained a centre of culture, industry and innovation,” said Mavhunga.
He highlighted the role of institutions of higher learning, including the National University of Science and Technology and Bulawayo Polytechnic, in producing skilled professionals who support national development.
Mavhunga said the city’s industrial base, cultural sector and youthful population positioned it as a key player in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda.
“By harnessing the talents of our youth, investing in modern infrastructure and supporting entrepreneurship, Bulawayo will continue to lead in shaping Zimbabwe’s economic transformation,” he said.
The Bulawayo Day commemorations attracted Government officials, traditional leaders, business representatives, artists and residents from across the province, with vibrant performances showcasing the city’s cultural diversity.
The celebrations marked 132 years of Bulawayo’s existence, reaffirming its role as Zimbabwe’s cultural capital and a cornerstone in the country’s march towards Vision 2030.
