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Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
The government is committed to promoting culture so as to retain its values and virtues, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko has said.

VP Mphoko said in an interview held on the sidelines of Great Limpopo Cultural Fair (GLCF) at Chishamiso Stadium in Chiredzi on Saturday that the government made a deliberate effort to promote culture when it established a fully-fledged ministry, Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture to address issues to do with culture.

He underscored the need for Zimbabweans to celebrate their cultural persuasions and differences.

The VP said all people and languages were equal.

“There’s nothing like a minority language in Zimbabwe,” he said.

The fair was held under the theme; “Improving Rural Livelihoods through Cultural Entrepreneurship”

Vice President Mphoko said as a nation Zimbabwe respects its culture, be it in Manicaland, Mashonaland Central or Matabeleland.

“We should celebrate our cultural diversity as Zimbabweans and I’m happy that Shangani people are promoting their own in a unique way. I toured your stands where you’re exhibiting your cultural wares and was impressed. You’re economically empowered through trading in your traditional dishes, medicine and other artefacts,” he said.

VP Mphoko also hailed the initiative by Gaza Trust, the organisers of the annual event, which has been bringing together cultural groups from Southern African countries since 2013.

“This fair is a regional cultural trade fair that brings together our diversity as Africans celebrating, networking and developing cultural markets for socio-economic transformation of our grassroot communities. I want to commend Gaza Trust for such a noble initiative,” said Vice President Mphoko.

In attendance was Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial affairs Senator Shuvai Mahofa, Zanu Provincial chairperson, Cde Paradzai Chakona, Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture Permanent Secretary Thokozile Chitepo, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvis Mari, Swaziland Ministry of Arts and Culture director Phinda Nkosi and Vambe District Municipality of South Africa manager John Mudau.

Representatives of Lupane State University, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Great Zimbabwe University, National Commission for UNESCO, Tongaat Hullet, Frankfurt Zoolgical Society, Great Limpopo and local chiefs also attended.