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Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

BEITBRIDGE’S paramount traditional leader, Chief Tshitaudze (David Mbedzi), has challenged development agencies and local authorities to channel more resources towards the construction of cultural centres.

He said well-developed cultural centres were key components that could help grow community-based tourism initiatives.

Chief Tshitaudze said the Beitbridge community had diverse cultures drawn from the Vha Venda, Vha Sotho, Shangani, and Vha Pfumbi people.

He made the remarks while launching the inaugural Culture Week celebrations held at Chief Matibe’s homestead, some 100km east of Beitbridge town on Friday.

Chief Tshitaudze said it was critical for Zimbabweans to celebrate cultural diversity and to recognise the need to promote social cohesion for greater nation-building.

“As traditional leaders, we urge the business community, local authorities, and the general members of the community to participate fully in the construction of cultural centres in support of the arts industry and community tourism within Beitbridge,” he said.

“It is important that we all note that arts are now taken as a business and artists should earn a living through such industries, such events create a platform for them to showcase and market their talents. In addition, culture centres, if well-developed, can attract tourists from other countries to visit, learn and buy artefacts from community members.”

Chief Tshitaudze said it was critical for women’s clubs around the district to grab business opportunities that come with the creation of the cultural centres.

He said they could sell curios, traditional baskets, meals, and clothing items, among other things.

The traditional leader said apart from promoting human centre development, the culture month celebrations were envisaged to nurture and create employment in communities at the lowest level.

“They help to foster cultural tourism for local and other consumption as well as culminating a sense of self-pride amongst the diverse communities as they showcase their dress, food, dance, habits, language, and other varied cultural elements,” said Chief Tshitaudze.

Speaking during the same function, Chief Matibe (Elisha Mbedzi), said traditional leaders and community leaders should work together in promoting unity and equality in the society.

He said this can be achieved in a society where cultural diversity, inclusive of languages and ethnicity, was equally recognised, valued, and appreciated.

In separate interviews, youths from across the Beitbridge district said they were excited to learn more about their culture from the community leaders.

“Events like these give us a sense of self-pride as young people,” said Ms Adrian Muleya from the Tshiraralani area. We must be proud of who we are and at the same time we must keep learning about our culture from the community elders, so that we may pass it to the next generation.”

Another youth, Ms Elizabeth Moyo, said the construction of more culture centres around Beitbridge will help to nurture talent for those willing to pursue arts as a career.

The availability and accessibility of cultural information closer to the people, she said, will help to build the confidence of youngsters who will learn a lot from historians and the community leaders at these centres.