BULAWAYO Mayor David Coltart has described the annual King Mzililakazi commemorations as a unifying event that should bring Zimbabweans together to celebrate the country’s history and cultural heritage.
Welcoming celebrants at the City Hall, Coltart said the celebration should not be viewed through the lens of division but as an opportunity for people to reflect on the historical roots of Bulawayo and Zimbabwe.
“This is arguably the most important week in our city as we reflect on the roots, the deep culture, the heritage, the proud heritage of this our city and our nation,” Coltart said.
“And it is to be seen as a unifying day, not a day of division. It is a day when we all get together to celebrate this deep root of history, the very foundation of this our city and our nation.”
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The Mayor said the commemoration should also look beyond celebrating the past and instead use the legacy of King Mzilikazi to shape the future of the city and the country.
Coltart said the history and cultural traditions surrounding King Mzilikazi could be leveraged to create economic opportunities, particularly for young people.
“We need to see this not just as a reflection of the past, but as a vision for where we want to take our city and our nation,” he said.
“And we can draw on this rich history of King Mzilikazi to produce jobs, to produce a future for the young people who have gathered here today.”
He said tourism had the potential to make a significant contribution to the economy if Zimbabwe marketed its historical and cultural heritage effectively.
Coltart cited cities such as London, which attract visitors to historical sites and derive significant economic benefits from tourism.
“That needs to be our vision for this our city and this wonderful tradition of King Mzilikazi,” he said.
The Mayor said the spectacle surrounding the commemoration, including traditional costumes, dancers and songs, could attract visitors from around the world while showcasing the positive spirit of the event.
He urged Zimbabweans to use the commemoration as a platform to celebrate their shared history while building a future that benefits younger generations.
“As we go out and celebrate today, let us not just reflect on the past. Let us reflect on what we need to do for the future to ensure that this day, this day when you celebrate our history becomes a very significant day but also creates jobs and a future for our young people,” Coltart said.
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