Award-winning playwright and cultural activist Cont Mhlanga yesterday said human values (ubuntu) and wealth cannot be separated from African culture and could be promoted as the basis of the country’s tourism.
Speaking at the official opening of the Umuzi Wesintu African Cultural Village at Emganwini Secondary School, Mhlanga encouraged neighbouring schools and government to embrace and nurture the concept of cultural homes.
“When I began Amakhosi Theatre, it was a small structure like the one that you have built but with patience, endurance and time, it has grown.
I encourage people to be capitalists, not to take culture as just an insignificant history. Let us use our culture as a link to tourism in order to attain wealth for our country,” he said.
Education officer for Bulawayo’s Imbizo district, under which Emganwini Secondary School falls, Giyani Moyo said this was an opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and embrace cultural identity.
“This should be a platform for cultural performances and exhibitions that will ensure that the home is recognised and appreciated,” he said.
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Educationist, poet, playwright, historian and biographer Phathisa Nyathi said Emganwini Secondary School had shown determination in becoming a leader in cultural promotion.
“This is a new school that has decided to carry on the longstanding heritage that ought to be preserved. “Its introduction of this cultural home is an introduction of culture as a subject within the school system.” he said.