By Freedom Mutanda and Knowledge Mhlanga Makamera
Preparations for the sixth edition of the annual Ndau Festival of the Arts that is held every year on 22 September to celebrate Cultural diversity and arts are at an advanced stage with several arrays of displays having been made at Paiyapo Arts Development and Heritage Centre in Bangira Area in Chipinge District’s ward 17 under Chief Musikavanhu which is the hosting centre for the festival.
The festival which started in 2013 has proved to be one of the biggest cultural events in the region, drawing stakeholders from different sectors including Education, Culture and Heritage, Arts, Tourism and several others pulling crowds of thousands every year.
This year’s edition runs under the theme, ” Ndau Culture: Enhancing the conservation of the Environment and Natural Resources For Food Security ” and the motto is “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Our Concern in the Arts”.
Guest of Honour at this year’s event will be Mr Tawanda Clifford Mutuvira , an Educationist and the event will be graced by guests from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), Zimbabwe Tourism Agency (ZTA), various government ministries, Non Governmental Organisations, tertiary institutions and cultural institutions and researchers; the turnout is expected to be in thousands.
Founder of the Festival Mr Philip Kusasa Bangira who is a recipient of ALPHA Media’s inaugural 100 Great Zimbabweans Award in June 2017 in the Arts and Culture Category, said the event has attracted many researchers since its inception and intercultural people have been able to interact due to the festival and that has inspired the local people.
” The Festival has given a platform to exchange cultural diversity and artistic prowess and has also helped to boost Cultural Tourism in the Bangira area and surrounding places and now Ndau as an ethnic group is more visible especially with the impact of the media. We implore people from all corners of the world to come and experience this unique intercultural exposure in Chipinge,” said Kusasa.
This Saturday will see the Ndau culture in full force. Everyone is invited to the Grand event.