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Runesu Gwidi Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has been urged to utilise the unique Shangani cultural practices such as circumcision and initiation as a tourist attraction.

The annual initiation celebrations in August and September, if slotted into the national tourism calendar, could benefit both the Shangani community and Zimbabwe at large.

Speaking during a Shangani initiation ceremony at Mhlanguleni recently, Centre for Cultural Development Initiatives director Mr Hebert Pikela said the originality of Shangani culture could be a viable tourist attraction in the region.

“Originally, Shangani graduating youths of 15 years and above wore goat skins, apply powder produced from a precious stone, put on bracelets, sing cultural songs and dance,” he said.

“Today, our development partners who are ignorant of the culture bring us kapenta fish for consumption during these ceremonies when in fact we are supposed to slaughter our own goats for relish.” Mr Pikela, who is Shangani, said the practice could be a major tourist attraction in its original form.

“The originality of our culture is affected by development partners, but if they work with elders, the culture can be preserved,” he said. “We are like Jews and Gentiles. The council of Shangani elders should take charge of the processes. The true originality of Shangani becomes the centre of attraction and can easily be marketable by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority so as to boost foreign currency earnings for the nation.” Shangani elders also acknowledged the idea to develop the celebrations into a tourist attraction.

“The type of food we eat during such ceremonies, verbal and non-verbal communication, dances and regalia are rare attractions,” said a chief from the area.