‘Do not be ashamed of African culture’

AFRICANS should defend their cultural diversity through programmes that foster cooperation and preservation of the continent’s unique identities, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister Ruth Mavhunga-Maboyi said yesterday.

Those who disrespect their culture risked losing the memory of the efforts of their ancestors and forebears in protecting their heritage.

Addressing delegates in Harare at the inaugural Algerian Traditional Wear and Culinary Exhibition day on the occasion of the 60th independence commemoration and the 68th anniversary celebration of the Algerian Glorious Revolution against French colonialism, Deputy Minister Mavhunga-Maboyi said traditional wear and cuisines were an essential component of a nation’s heritage.

One factor that several noticed was that while the Algerians prepared traditional dishes from their own country, they were using Zimbabwean ingredients, showing that diversity can add rather than subtract,” she said.

“This traditional wear and food exhibition we are witnessing is an intricately connected and important form of social identity that must not be abandoned by all of us.

“Some today are being exposed to this new culture, and are learning more from this exploration. This highlights that Zimbabwe and Algeria share historic ties.

“To enhance these ties, cultural exchanges should play a key role in our relations. It is my hope that in the future, we broaden our cultural interaction by opening avenues of engagement through a combined traditional and cultural festival that will see us enjoy some Algerian and Zimbabwean music, traditional dances, art and paintings.”

Deputy Minister Mavhunga-Maboyi challenged African countries to build on their diversity, drawing examples of cuisines that are familiar in both Zimbabwe and Algeria.

“I know in Algeria they have familiar cuisines such as couscous, and Zimbabwe also has its equivalent of couscous which is sadza,” she said.

“Beyond merely nourishing the body, these cuisines should inspire and strengthen the bonds between individuals, communities, and even countries.”

Speaking at the same occasion, Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga said Zimbabweans needed to be creative with their cuisines in order to give them local value and regional competitiveness.

“The Algerian community in Zimbabwe is preparing its traditional dishes with all ingredients found in Zimbabwe,” she said. “This means there is a cultural relationship between Zimbabwe and Algeria. To Zimbabwe, it means as a nation we need to attract value of what we have. If we do not use what is bestowed to us, it will lose its worth.”

Mrs Maissa Yazid, the wife to the Algerian Ambassador Mr Nourredine Yazid, said it “must be understood that preserving our culture does not mean to disrespect other peoples’ cultures”.

“Cultures create and develop identities. We should all remember that brave people do not abandon their culture,” Mrs Yazid said.