First Lady’s dedication to culture earns her esteemed title

Tendai Rupapa

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa who is a passionate advocate for cultural preservation and promotion, was on Thursday bestowed with the prestigious title of the country’s Cultural Ambassador by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for her unprecedented work in preserving Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.

As a beacon of cultural excellence, Amai Mnangagwa embodies the values of heritage conservation and cross-cultural understanding.

By promoting cultural preservation, Amai Mnangagwa contributes to cultural diversity enriching communities with diverse perspectives and traditions, she also contributes to unity thereby bridging cultural gaps, and fostering tolerance, and understanding.

Education is also an important aspect as she raises awareness about the importance of cultural heritage.

Dr Mnangagwa has championed various initiatives such as Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba, Nharirire yemusha, Afrikana family Humanism, Zviperengo Cultural Quiz Programme, Boys and Girls Camp, Amai’s Traditional Cook Out Competition among many other programmes aimed at safeguarding cultural practices, norms and customs.

This stands as a testament to her deep commitment to the arts and cultural well-being of the nation.

In her drive to promote and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage, Dr Mnangagwa also spearheaded the National fabric, a patriotic textile that embodies the spirit of Zimbabwean nationalism. The fabric is a representation of the country’s rich cultural heritage, values and traditions.

At the conferment ceremony held at the Heritage Culture Village in Harare, guests had an appreciation of the initiatives that the mother of the nation is spearheading countrywide, towards the promotion and preservation of the country’s cultural heritage, in a documentary.

The event saw Amai Mnangagwa being presented with a medal and a certificate by the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe.

In her acceptance speech, the First Lady said the recognition was not just a personal achievement but represented a collective commitment to preserving and promoting Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.

She also thanked President Mnangagwa for his unwavering support and belief in the power of culture to unite and inspire.

“This recognition is not just a personal achievement, it represents our collective commitment to preserving and promoting the rich fabric of Zimbabwean culture and a collective celebration of our cultural heritage. You have indeed recognised my tireless efforts to empower women, girls, youth, vulnerable communities and families by expressing the need to return to our cultural values, all grounded in our African philosophy of Ubuntu/Hunhu. This award symbolises the power of partnership and solidarity in creating a better world.

“Firstly, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa, my partner in this journey for his unwavering support and belief in the power of culture to unite and inspire. To the citizenry of Zimbabwe, whose vibrant diverse culture inspires me daily, I also want to thank you too,” she said.

The First Lady further thanked the Minister and the whole ministry for the honour in support of her work. “This award is not just a recognition of my efforts, but also a testament to the collective strength of our communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a role model, inspiring others to make a difference. I would also like to thank our traditional leaders who are the custodians of our culture. They remain steadfast in ensuring that our traditional practices, customs, morals and values are safeguarded for posterity,” she said.

The First Lady said she was committed to supporting women’s efforts in safeguarding national heritage.

“Zimbabwe is a land of vibrant traditions, languages and artistry. As champions of culture, it is our responsibility to celebrate these treasures and ensure they are passed down to future generations. From our traditional music and dance to our storytelling and craftsmanship, as well as food, each aspect of our culture tells a story that deserves to be heard and cherished.

“In this role, I pledge to amplify my promotion of Zimbabwean culture, both locally and abroad. I will champion cultural exchange programmes to showcase our rich culture and heritage. I foresee a future where our cultural expressions are not only preserved but also embraced on global platforms,” she said.

She added that she aspires to create opportunities for artists, musicians and creators to share their talents with the world, showcasing the beauty of Zimbabwean culture far beyond the borders.

“I envisage a Zimbabwe where traditions seamlessly blend with modernity. I see a future where our culture unites us. Together, we can overcome challenges like cultural erosion through education and community engagement and showing that our heritage thrives for generations. I would like us to reflect on the significance of telling our cultural narratives. We need as Zimbabwe to reclaim and celebrate our roots, embracing our heritage as a foundation for building a brighter future.

As we promote cultural exchange and understanding between nations, let us prioritise the preservation and celebration of our diverse cultural identities. Our traditional cuisine, music and arts are a testament to the richness of Zimbabwean culture. In this regard, I commit to amplifying the promotion and preservation of our heritage, inspiring future generations to appreciate and learn from their roots.

“Together, let us harness the power of culture to build bridges and to foster global understanding. I invite all of you to join me in this endeavour. Let us work together to foster an environment where culture thrives, where young people are encouraged to explore their roots and where diversity is celebrated as a strength. Together, we can create a legacy that honours our past while inspiring innovation for the future. Let us join hands in preserving and promoting our culture. Each of us has a role to play in this journey.

“Let us embrace our diversity and work together towards a vibrant, united Zimbabwe. In closing, I am deeply humbled by this honour and excited about the journey ahead. Let us celebrate our culture with pride and dedication, that the spirit of Zimbabwe continues to shine brightly on the global stage,” she said.

Minister Sanyatwe said Dr Mnangagwa’s dedication to the preservation of culture exemplifies the spirit of a true Ambassador.

“Today we are celebrating a remarkable milestone of the conferment of the esteemed title of cultural ambassador upon our First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and the awarding of a medal for her unprecedented works in the cultural sector. Let me reiterate that this honour recognizes her tireless efforts in promoting and preserving Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.

“Your Excellency, culture is the heartbeat of our nation, our motherland Zimbabwe. It is the fabric that wears together our diverse heritage, traditions, and value rules. And today, we celebrate not just an individual as Amai, but a shared identity as a Zimbabwean,” he said.

The Minister urged people to take a moment to acknowledge the First Lady’s contributions to the arts and the culture of Zimbabwe saying through her visionary leadership and her passionate advocating, she has championed numerous initiatives.

“Her support for emerging artists and cultural institutions has created opportunities for many talented Zimbabweans to showcase their work locally and internationally,” he said.

“Moreover, her efforts to integrate cultural education within our schools have helped nurture a new generation that values and respects our heritage.

“These accomplishments stand as a testimony to a deep commitment to arts and the overall cultural life and well-being of our nation. Ladies and gentlemen, her commitment to promoting our rich cultural heritage has not gone untouched or unnoticed. Through her initiatives, she has uplifted countless artists, musicians, learners and storytellers, whereby ensuring our voices resonate far beyond our borders.”

As the cultural ambassador, Min Sanyatwe said Amai Mnangagwa will tell the country’s stories, struggles and triumphs to the world stage, showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of the Zimbabwean spirit.

“Her Excellency has been a tireless advocate for the promotion of Zimbabwean culture, heritage and the arts. Through her unwavering commitment to empowering women, supporting the youth and uplifting traditional values, she has become a beacon of hope and inspiration to many across our nation and beyond. Her dedication to cultural preservation and promotion amplifies the spirit of a true ambassador. Ladies and gentlemen, this role is not merely ceremonial, it is a call to action. It is a reminder that culture shapes our future and that each of us has a role to play in preserving and promoting it as culture.

“As we confer this honour upon the First Lady, let us also recommit ourselves to nurturing the arts and celebrating our heritage. Culture is the backbone of our nation, defining who we are as Zimbabweans, where we are today and where we come from,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa said; “Today we gather to recognize a commitment to promotion and preservation of our rich cultural heritage, values, and traditions. Dr Mnangagwa’s dedication to uplifting communities, and championing cultural initiatives makes her an ideal representative of the nation’s vibrant mosaic. Culture is the heartbeat of any nation, it shapes their identity, connects us to our roots, and fosters unity. Your passion for cultural heritage resonates with our collective vision to promote and celebrate with diverse ideas that make us who we are today.”

In her vote of thanks, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Honourable Emily Jesaya, highlighted that initiatives that have been championed by the First Lady in the preservation of the country’s rich cultural heritage, have had a profound impact in fostering the spirit of hunhu/Ubuntu across all generations.

The event was also characterised by artistic performances by artists from diverse genres.

A poet paid tribute to the First Lady through her artwork.

Not to be outdone were musicians Diana Samkange and Andy Muridzo who put up top-drawer acts. – Herald