Culture as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development: Insights from Minister Charles Tavengwa at Harare Culture Month

Charles Tavengwa, Zimbabwe’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Harare Metropolitan Province, recently underscored the critical role of culture as a driving force for sustainable development. Speaking at the Harare Culture Month commemorations held at Magamba Hall, Warren Park, Harare, last Friday, Minister Tavengwa emphasized that culture goes beyond mere tradition—it fuels economic growth and national identity.

“Culture is not just a backdrop; it is a catalyst for sustainable development and economic growth,” Tavengwa stated, linking cultural preservation directly to the successful completion of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). He highlighted that a nation’s strength lies deeply rooted in its cultural identity and that nurturing this heritage is vital to achieving Zimbabwe’s broader developmental goals.

Harare, as Zimbabwe’s capital and a cosmopolitan melting pot, offers a vibrant showcase of diverse cultural traditions, customs, and values. According to Minister Tavengwa, Culture Month provides a unique opportunity to appreciate these rich cultural expressions that collectively define the Zimbabwean experience, particularly in Harare province.

This year’s Culture Month theme, Celebrating Indigenous Voices, reflects the essence of Zimbabwe’s identity within the global cultural landscape. Tavengwa called upon Zimbabweans to embrace their indigenous cultural expressions, emphasizing that it is the people themselves who best understand, celebrate, and preserve their heritage.

“Through our indigenous expressions, we articulate who we are within the broader cultural landscape. Let us revel in the vibrancy and vitality of our culture,” he said.

Minister Tavengwa highlighted that culture shapes Zimbabwe’s identity on the international stage. It embodies the collective spirit and values of the nation, especially the cherished principle of Ubuntu (or Hunhu), which champions humanity, interconnectedness, and community.

Since its inception in 2002, Zimbabwe’s Culture Month has been a cornerstone for cultural preservation and promotion. It also aligns with global celebrations, as the United Nations, through UNESCO, marks May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The commemorative event featured an impressive lineup of cultural performances that resonated deeply with attendees. Groups and individuals such as Kuwadzana 1 High School, Bradford College, Horizon College, Sekuru Soro, Tatenda Tayt, Ukama Band, and traditional mbira ensembles delivered stirring performances that blended modern choreography with time-honored traditions.

Minister Tavengwa praised these modernized choreographies, calling them “highly connecting” and an excellent gateway to international cultural collaborations. He encouraged artists to continue mastering Zimbabwean traditional dances, folklore, and music not only as a means of entertainment but also as valuable cultural exports.

Tavengwa reiterated that Zimbabwe’s ambitious vision of achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030 must integrate cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar. The performances from schools and colleges during Culture Month underscore the urgent need to invest in educational institutions’ cultural and music departments.

In this regard, music teachers Malvin Joseph Nyakabau (Kuwadzana 1 High School), Kudzai Dzingwa (Granbliss Academy), and Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana (director of Music Crossroads Academy) expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Culture Month organizers. They pledged to improve preparations for future editions, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage continues to thrive among younger generations.

Minister Charles Tavengwa’s remarks and the vibrant Harare Culture Month celebrations serve as a timely reminder that culture is far more than tradition—it is an engine for sustainable development, economic growth, and national pride. Zimbabwe’s path to progress is intertwined with preserving and promoting its indigenous voices, cultural heritage, and the principles of Ubuntu that define its people.

As Zimbabwe continues to develop, embracing and investing in culture will remain essential for nurturing a cohesive, dynamic, and prosperous society.