‘Culture key to economic growth’

FIRM cultural foundations in Sadc are critical for realistic economic growth and development, a senior military officer has said.

Zimbabwe National Army Staff College Deputy Commandant, Group Captain Winnie Mandeya, said this yesterday whilst addressing participants at the 13th edition of the institution’s Culture Day celebrations at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks in Harare.

The event drew members of the defence forces from Sadc, who are undergoing training at the Zimbabwe Staff College.

“This day is thus set aside to enable students both local and allied to celebrate their national cultures, appreciate their history and promote a sense of patriotism that would enable them to craft strategies to jealously guard their respective sovereignties and national heritages,” said Group Capt Mandeya.

“It is only when we have built a solid cultural foundation, can realistic economic growth and development be realised through self-sustaining initiatives that permanently emancipate our respective communities.”

Head of the China People’s Liberation Army Training Team, Senior Colonel Liu Junsheng, said the event provided an opportunity for people to reflect on their roots.

“You will get the opportunity to share and exchange the core values which make each of our sovereign nations tick,” he said. “Such interactions foster social cohesion and operability among the Defence Forces and that the region will likely emerge stronger in terms of moral and spiritual cohesiveness.”

The event was themed “Culture: A tool for building communities, signifying identity and a true sense of belonging”

The day opened with different countries showcasing their cultures, food and dances.

South Africa was adjudged the best regional cultural exhibitor, followed by Tanzania. Other participants were drawn from the hosts Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, the Kingdom of eSwatini and Zambia.