First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa urged young university students to embrace and play a pivotal role in championing the preservation of cultural values and heritage at the National Cultural Festival which was held at MSU Main Campus in Gweru on the 14th of May 2023.
Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa addressed students from the country’s institutions of higher learning at the celebrations which ran under the theme, ‘Celebrating an Icon of Philanthropy, Community Development and the Dignity of Humanity’.
The festival included tree planting by Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, cultural performances, tours of the traditional kitchen, and tours of cultural exhibitions.
On the sidelines of the event, Dr. Auxullia Mnangagwa hosted her signature, “Nhanga” program with female students.
Male students joined the “Gota” session which was graced by Traditional Chiefs and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the Midlands Province, Cde. L. Mavima.
During her address, the First Lady celebrated the cultural renaissance shift made visible through traditional cookout competitions, modelling showcases as well as musicals by university students.
“This has proven that innovation and culture have a common place in our society and programmes such as Danga/Gota will educate students with life skills such as self-discovery, self-esteem, traditional knowledge, efficacy, self-confidence and self-actualisation.
“While touring the stands on display, I saw a vast display of our traditional foods, clothes and we need to develop a culture of health and wellness through healthy food and exercise,” said Dr. A. Mnangagwa.
Midlands State University students wowed the crowds with their energetic and ever-enchanting music, drama, and modelling performances.
In a show of the popularity of Midlands State University’s programs, the First Lady recognized and applauded one of the characters in the famous MSU-produced ZBC TV show, “Tsvakai” in the person of Brighton Munaku known on screen as, “Dambudzo”.
Representing the MSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa; the Pro-Vice Chancellor-Research, Innovation and Industrialisation, Professor Grace Mugumbate presented the University’s gift to the First Lady which included a love crafted stone and an assortment of products from the MSU Enterprises Division.
The National Cultural Festival is an annual event held in honour of the First Lady Dr. Amai Mnangagwa’s outstanding philanthropic achievements.

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