Mazvihwa’s Cultural Heritage Takes Centre Stage.
MAZVIHWA-The Mazvihwa Arts, Culture, Sports, and Edutainment Festival took place on the 20th September, brought the community together at Murowa Primary School in Ward 18, celebrating Mazvihwa’s rich cultural heritage under the theme “Our Culture, Building Mazvihwa Brick by Brick.”
In interview with AfroGazette News, Chief Mazvihwa shared his vision, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Mazvihwa’s culture through traditional practices and customs, such as teaching how to preserve traditional grains, brewing beer, and showcasing traditional food.
“We hold this festival every year on September 20th to remind our younger and older generations how to preserve traditional grains like sorghum, millet, and rapoko for 1-2 years using smoke coating and ash mixtures to protect them from pests due to their bitter taste from soot.”
” Mukwerere, a ritual held before the rainy season, petitions for good rains. Typically held in October, it precedes the November rainy season, said Chief Mazvihwa”.
Shockson Reward, Provincial Arts and Culture Development and Promotions Officer, underscored the Ministry’s support for cultural events, citing their role in preserving moral values and preventing drug abuse. “Through these festivals, we are mandated to support them by providing technical expertise to exhibit our traditional dress, food, and demonstrate the way of life lived in the past, preserving and promoting our values as Africans and Zimbabweans at large.
He emphasized that, “Through speeches and drama presentations, we can effectively reach to our youngsters who are struggling with drug and substance abuse that stems from lack of moral values. As a nation, we must prioritize addressing the problem, said Shockson”.
Member of Parliament for Zvishavane-Runde Constituency, Freddy Moyo encouraged parents to incorporate the festival’s values into daily life, teaching children the importance of their cultural heritage.
“Our culture is not something to be ashamed of, it’s what makes us who we are as Zimbabweans .”( vana Mai nana baba hakuna chinonzi nhasi kana pasina zuro, hakuna chinonzi mangwana kana pasina nhasi saka ngatidzidzisei vana chivanhu chedu nekuti chakakosha),he said”.
The festival featured vibrant traditional dances, including Muchongoyo and Dinhe, performed by Tsika Nemagariro dance group. Group leader Gogo Mtanga explained, “We are here to showcase that our culture still exists through traditional dances like Dinhe, which praises and invites ancestors to speak to the community, and also exhibits the agricultural aspect of life. While Isitshikitha was commonly performed in Njelele, a rain-making ceremony.”
Approximately 500 people attended the festival, including RioZim’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Wilson Gwatiringa, Sabi Gold Mine, lngwebu Breweries, Makwenda Express, PaDombo Mine and Head of Governments departments,Honourable Freddy Moyo, Member of Parliament for Zvishavane-Runde Constituency and Community leaders.
