Staff Writer
The Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) has called for Munhumutapa Day to be used as a platform for strengthening national identity, cultural pride and unity among Zimbabweans.
Speaking during CAES engagements in Mashonaland Central, interim leader Ellison Muchenje Samuriwo (pictured)said the commemorations should go beyond ceremonial activities and help Zimbabweans reconnect with their history while promoting self-reliance and community development.
Samuriwo said CAES was participating in the celebrations because Munhumutapa Day provides an opportunity for Zimbabweans to reflect on their heritage and the values that shaped the country’s historical civilisation.
“We celebrate to reclaim our identity. The reason for our organisation to join others in celebrating MunhuMutapa Day is because this day reminds us of who we are as a people,” Samuriwo said.
He said the day should inspire Zimbabweans to preserve their cultural heritage while building a stronger sense of national belonging.
“MunhuMutapa Day is about reclaiming our history, our values and our pride as Zimbabweans. At CAES, we believe that preserving our culture and strengthening our sovereignty go hand in hand,” he said.
Samuriwo said CAES would use the commemorations to encourage communities to support local production, value addition and regional trade as part of efforts to strengthen economic resilience.
He said the legacy of the Munhumutapa civilisation offered lessons on unity, self-reliance and the importance of building strong communities.
“Just as Munhumutapa represented a strong, united and self-reliant African civilisation, CAES is pushing for that same spirit today. We are saying Zimbabweans must remain united and determined to build their own future,” he said.
CAES Mashonaland Central Chairperson Edmore Chirenje said the commemorations were already bringing communities together across the province.
“Munhumutapa Day is not just a ceremony. It is a call for unity, for patriotism and for us to take ownership of our development,” Chirenje said.
He said the organisation was mobilising its structures to participate in the celebrations and ensure that the occasion had a meaningful impact at community level.
“As CAES Mash Central, we are mobilising our structures to participate fully because we understand that when we are united culturally and economically, we are better positioned to drive our own development,” Chirenje said.
He added that the provincial chapter was working with traditional leaders, schools and youth groups to ensure that Munhumutapa Day promotes greater appreciation of Zimbabwe’s history among younger generations.
CAES said the commemorations could also contribute to the growth of domestic tourism, traditional arts, cultural activities and heritage-based enterprises, creating opportunities for communities to generate income and preserve their cultural traditions.
The organisation said Munhumutapa Day should ultimately become a permanent platform for promoting Zimbabwean heritage, national unity and economic resilience, with communities, government, traditional institutions and civil society working together to give the commemorations greater significance.