By Prince Chese
THE Matabeleland South Province Provincial Anual Science Sports and Arts Festival (PASSAF) competitions held at Oakley House on Tuesday 4 August, brought together learners from across the province to celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage while promoting unity, language learning and the sharing of knowledge.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony, the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, said the competitions were strengthening national unity through culture.
“These PASSAF competitions are promoting oneness through culture because Zimbabwe has 16 official languages, but here in Matabeleland South we come together through sport while learning different languages, traditional dances, songs and cultural dress,” said Hon. Nguluvhe.
He said cultural exchange was helping young people appreciate the country’s diversity while building respect and understanding among different communities.
Learners who took part in the competitions said the event had given them an opportunity to learn new traditions and cultures from other districts.
Prosper Moyo, a student from Plumtree High School, said he had gained knowledge of Venda culture through the competitions.
“I only knew Ndebele dances before, but these competitions introduced me to Venda dances and even some of the language, which will make it easier for me to communicate with Venda-speaking people,” he said.
Brendon Sithole from Gwanda High School said the competitions also exposed learners to new farming practices from different parts of the province.
“I enjoy agriculture and I grow crops and keep livestock, but these PASSAF competitions taught me new farming methods used in Beitbridge and introduced me to crops that we do not usually grow in our area,” he said.
He said the competitions had shown learners how different districts in Matabeleland South practise agriculture according to their local environments.
The PASSAF competitions continue to provide a platform for learners to celebrate culture, share knowledge and strengthen unity while preserving Zimbabwe’s diverse traditions for future generations.