Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage

HARARE, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — The Zimbabwean government, in collaboration with traditional leadership and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is striving to preserve, recognize and celebrate the country’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH).

Speaking at the launch ceremony of the Project for the Awareness Raising of the 2003 UNESCO Convention on Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage to Traditional Leadership and Local Communities of Zimbabwe held in the capital of Harare on Thursday, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya said the preservation of ICH is a collective responsibility, urging all Zimbabweans to join hands in safeguarding traditions, customs and practices.

“Our intangible cultural heritage is a vital part of our identity, and it plays a significant role in promoting cultural diversity, social cohesion and economic development. However, this heritage is facing numerous threats, including globalization, urbanization and the erosion of traditional practices,” said Jesaya.

The project, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and UNESCO, will run from 2025 to 2026. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of ICH among local communities and traditional leaders to encourage greater participation in its safeguarding.

Zimbabwe currently has two elements listed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Mbende Jerusarema dance and the Mbira/Sansi musical instrument.

Jesaya said that given the richness and diversity of ICH in Zimbabwe, the inclusion of only two elements on the list means that more work needs to be done to ensure that more elements get listed.

She said there is a need to put in concerted efforts to document and record ICH, pass on knowledge and skills to the younger generation, and promote and participate in cultural practices such as traditional dances, music and festivals.

“Let us work together with our traditional leaders and communities to ensure that our intangible cultural heritage continues to thrive for generations to come,” Jesaya said.

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