THE Gwambe area will this weekend host the inaugural cultural festival at Gwambe business centre in Plumtree, Matabeleland South province, a landmark event organised by the Gwambe Arts and Culture Club.
The festival is set to bring together exhibitions, competitions and cultural showcases that highlight the rich cultural diversity of the area.
Gwambe Arts and Culture Club executive committee chairperson Baratile Dupute said the festival was significant because there had been little cultural activity in Gwambe before, except for rainmaking ceremonies.
He said the event aimed to promote local cultural values and norms while uplifting traditional aspects of the community.
“Gwambe is diversified, with the Kalanga people being the more dominant group, basically, its significance is to help the younger generation to understand and embrace the cultural values of our community and also instil a sense of belonging,” Dupute said.
He said exhibitions focusing on traditional practices were planned for the day, adding that categories would include pottery, traditional attire, traditional dance and music, poetry, and drama.
“Also in place is the traditional cooking competition, specifically for traditional beans, with the competitors given recipes for the competition by the sponsor and awards will be presented in the various categories,” Dupute said.
“Everything is free. We want people to bring in their items in numbers and promote their products.
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“However, we have allowed them to sell their products after the festival. Attendees should expect traditional dance, music, poetry, drama and traditional foods.”
Dupute said the festival promoted local culture by engaging the community and encouraging it to attend, exhibit and showcase its products.
“There’s also a Cultural Village being planned by the club, which we believe will help to promote local culture in the future,” he said.
He added that the main competition was the traditional cooking contest for beans, adding that there were plans to include traditional attire showcases.
“Crafts and handmade products are also part of the line-up,” he said.
Dupute confirmed that the festival has engaged traditional leaders, including chiefs, headmen and village heads.
Local residents will also have supporting roles such as ushering and other tasks.
“Those giving speeches will be expected to focus on local culture and ensure the community feels welcome,” he said.
Gwambe Arts and Culture Club was founded on December 31, 2023 by a few dedicated culture-inclined members and by February 2024, it had grown bigger with a membership of over 100.
It was officially launched at Gwambe business centre on September 14, 2024.
