Government Reinforces Role of Culture in National Development Through Wise Owl Culture Centre Relaunch
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing culture at the centre of national development following the official relaunch of the Wise Owl Culture Centre. This move signals a clear intention to strengthen heritage preservation while supporting education and economic growth through creative industries. Officials described the facility as a key platform that connects communities, promotes identity, and encourages innovation rooted in tradition. The relaunch comes at a time when countries are increasingly recognising the value of culture as a driver of sustainable development. By prioritising cultural infrastructure, the Government is setting a foundation for long term social and economic impact.
Permanent Secretary for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Nicholas Moyo, highlighted the significance of the centre as a symbol of renewal and resilience. He stated that the reopening represents a shared national effort to protect and celebrate Zimbabwe’s cultural identity. According to Mr Moyo, culture is not an optional aspect of development but a core pillar that shapes values, unity, and progress. He stressed that facilities like the Wise Owl Culture Centre provide a structured environment for expression, dialogue, and learning. This approach positions culture as both a social asset and an economic resource that can contribute to national growth.
The Wise Owl Culture Centre is designed to serve multiple functions, including heritage preservation, education, and community engagement. Through its galleries, traditional structures, and curated artefacts, the centre offers a detailed representation of Zimbabwe’s cultural history. Visitors are exposed to traditional instruments, storytelling, and practices that reflect the country’s diverse heritage. These elements play a critical role in ensuring that younger generations understand and appreciate their roots. Mr Moyo emphasised that telling Zimbabwe’s story is essential, as cultural narratives shape national identity and influence how a country is perceived globally.
Education remains a central focus of the centre’s mission, particularly through its alignment with the Heritage Based Curriculum. The facility provides learners with practical exposure to Zimbabwean traditions, values, and innovation, bridging the gap between theory and real life experience. Schools are encouraged to use the centre as a resource for cultural education, reinforcing lessons taught in classrooms. Officials believe that integrating culture into education strengthens identity and builds a sense of responsibility among students. This approach ensures that knowledge of heritage is not lost but actively passed down through structured learning.
Deputy head of culture Ms Loice Chimanga explained that the relaunch was driven by infrastructure improvements and a renewed focus on community participation. Since its establishment in 2012, the centre has evolved to meet changing needs, introducing new activities to remain relevant. The goal is to create a dynamic space where people can engage with culture in meaningful ways. By expanding its offerings, the centre aims to attract a broader audience and encourage ongoing interaction with heritage. This focus on community engagement ensures that culture remains a living and evolving part of society rather than a static concept.
The role of the centre in education and development was further reinforced by chief director for Provincial Education Services, Mrs Annatoria Ncube. She described the relaunch as a renewal of vision that aligns closely with national education goals. According to her, the centre serves as a meeting place where Zimbabwean stories are preserved and transformed for future generations. Its integration into the Heritage Based Curriculum highlights the Government’s commitment to embedding cultural values in education systems. This alignment strengthens collaboration between cultural institutions and schools, creating a unified approach to national development.
The relaunch of the Wise Owl Culture Centre reflects a broader strategy to position culture as a key driver of progress in Zimbabwe. By investing in cultural institutions, the Government is supporting identity preservation, education, and economic opportunity within the creative sector. The centre stands as a practical example of how heritage can be used to inspire innovation while maintaining strong cultural roots. As Zimbabwe continues to develop, such initiatives will play a vital role in shaping a cohesive and informed society. The renewed focus on culture ensures that development is not only measured in economic terms but also in the strength of national identity and shared values.
