Bantu: Weaving fabric of Zimbabwean identity

BY STEVE EPHRAEM


The communal lands of Chipinge recently found themselves in the spotlight, as the filming of a new documentary’s pilot episode captured the vibrant richness of Ndau culture.

This production, titled “Bantu: Consolidating a Zimbabwean national identity in the face of changing global dynamics,” aims at showcasing national pride and share it with the world.

In an interview, producer Regges Kudzie encouraged locals to take pride in and connect with their Zimbabwean roots. He explained the project’s powerful vision.

“The ultimate goal of Bantu is to catalyse cultural entrepreneurship. We want to encourage young innovators to draw from their heritage to create unique products, services, and solutions that are authentically Zimbabwean. It is about looking at the past not to live in it, but to build a more innovative and self-sustaining future.

“Cultural artists can take pride in the Zimbabwean heritage that includes traditional dance, crafts and oral histories passed down through generations,” he said.

This filming was just the beginning. Kudzai revealed that it is a key part of a much larger, 16-episode documentary series.

“The core mission of Bantu is to preserve Zimbabwe’s rich but vulnerable intangible cultural heritage,” he added.

Regges’ message is clear. Zimbabweans are the true custodians of their own culture. Through its storytelling, Bantu is a valuable investment in sharing the authentic African narrative with the world.