Bulawayo Celebrates Culture Month with Focus on Indigenous Voices

4 June 2025

By Andile Vundla

The Bulawayo Culture Month commemorations were officially launched yesterday (Tuesday) at Lobengula Hall in Ward 11, marking a vibrant celebration of the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Held Under the theme “Celebrating Indigenous Voices,” the commemorations aimed to recognize, honor, and promote the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of indigenous communities. The initiative also sought to encourage self-expression through various forms of art, highlighting the city’s dynamic creative spirit.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Judith Ncube, praised Bulawayo’s cultural diversity, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering an inclusive and sustainable future for the province. She further highlighted the government’s commitment to nurturing and preserving the unique cultural identities within the region.

“This year’s theme, Celebrating Indigenous Voices, is a call to action for all Zimbabweans to recognize, respect, and celebrate the contributions of indigenous communities. It is a reminder that our cultural heritage is a precious resource that must be preserved and cherished. By amplifying indigenous voices, we not only honor our past, but also pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future,” said Minister Ncube.

“It is your responsibility to carry it forward with pride and innovation. Embrace the wisdom of the past by harnessing the opportunities of the present. Let us build a Zimbabwe that honors its roots by embracing the future.Fellow Zimbabweans, as we step onto the global stage, whether for work,education, leisure, or any other purposes, let us remember that we are not just individuals, but ambassadors.

Be our ambassadors of our great nation, our culture is a treasure trove of history, values and traditions that define who we are as a people. It is a gift that sets us apart and enriches the world,” she stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Isaiah Mpofu, stressed the importance of Zimbabweans appreciating their own culture rather than adopting Western influences and encouraged a deeper connection to local traditions and values.

“There is a need for the people of Zimbabwe to appreciate their culture rather than diverting to the Western culture,” he stated, encouraging a stronger connection to indigenous roots.

While Culture Month is traditionally observed in May, this year’s local celebrations were held in conjunction with the ongoing Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF), creating an extended period of artistic and cultural appreciation.