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From left NACZ deputy director Nicholas Moyo, Sport, Arts and Culture minister Andrew Langa, principal director in the ministry Rev Paul Damasane, Murehwa Culture Centre curator Cuthbert Maziwa and NACZ director Elvas Mari at the culture centre

Tawanda Marwizi recently in Murehwa
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa has pledged to work with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe in upgrading Murehwa Culture Centre. Speaking during a tour of the centre on Wednesday Langa said there was need to upgrade the establishment, which is a source of employment.
“According to the economic blue print these are institutions that must provide our youth with employment and there is need for us to upgrade the place,” said Langa.

He said though there are plans to build a big Culture Centre in Harare there was need to resuscitate the one that exists.

“We are negotiating with the Chinese to construct a big culture centre but I think there is need for us to upgrade this one first,” he said.

Langa tasked National Arts  Council of Zimbabwe director Elvas Mari to come up with a budget for the facelift.

Mari said it was a positive move towards the development and recognition of arts industry in Zimbabwe.

“This is a noble idea the minister has brought and it gives life to the arts industry in the country,” he said.

Murehwa Cultural Centre was established in 1984 in Murehwa District as a model facility for arts and culture promotion and development as well as a responsive initiative to the cultural policy of Zimbabwe.

As the name suggests, the complex is designed in a manner reflective of Zimbabwe’s culture, vis-à-vis “village architecture”.

It is the “prototype” centre for study, promotion and retention of the Zimbabwean culture.

The centre boasts, among many other facilities, a library, museum and an art gallery.

Local attractions such as the Murehwa Caves in particular and the authentic nature of its environs in general as well as its proximity to Harare make it an ideal setting to celebrate Zimbabwean culture.