Midlands State University in Zimbabwe held a two-day International Cultural Diversity Carnival from May 7-8, 2015 to promote cultural diversity and harmony among its diverse student population from several African countries. The carnival featured various cultural performances and exhibitions with the theme of "Harnessing Cultural Capital for Sustainable Development." Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of celebrating and promoting African culture for national development. Currently the university has international students from countries like Mozambique, Nigeria, Botswana, and others.

1. As part of efforts to instil the spirit of Ubuntu among its diverse student body, Midlands State
University held a two-day International Cultural Diversity Carnival from the 7th
to the 8th
of
May 2015 in the University Great Hall.
The Carnival which is held in line with UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural
Diversity, which proclaims May 21 of each year as the World Day of Cultural Diversity for
Dialogue and Development was this year held under the theme “Harnessing Cultural Capital
for Sustainable Development”.
The carnival, which is held annually, is aimed at underlining the importance of cultural
diversity and harmony among students and staff. Currently the University has international
students from countries that include Mozambique, Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia,
South Sudan, Angola and Malawi.
A host of activities including paper presentations, a public lecture, art and craft exhibitions, a
fashion show, and music and dance performances characterised the multifaceted occasion.
Carnival proceedings got under way with a prayer, followed by the singing of national
anthems of countries that constitute the University community. After the national anthems,
there was a sombre atmosphere in the Great Hall as participants observed a minute of silence
in remembrance of victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the MSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ngwabi Bhebe, the
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Academic Affairs) Professor Victor Muzvidziwa
expressed appreciation for the unparalleled support of various stakeholders, who ensured that
the celebrations were accorded befitting recognition and pomp. Professor Muzvidziwa also
pointed out the relevance of the theme, noting that Midlands State University was able to
project human dignity and cultural diversity for the positive socio-economic transformation
of societies on the African Continent.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, Dr
Thokozile Chitepo, who was the guest of honour, the Principal Director in the Ministry of
Sports, Arts and Culture, Reverend Paul Damasane, expressed his gratitude to Midlands State
University for creating space and time for its community to celebrate its diverse culture and
heritage in a carnival fashion. Rev. Damasane noted that it was every citizen’s right to have
the pleasure and space to practice and express one’s culture.

2. “The subject, ‘Celebrating African Culture for Sustainable Development’ is no trivial one
because culture plays an important part in any nation’s development. This Carnival is
essentially a living metaphor of the proliferation and sustenance of a culture. You are in
essence a proverb in reality of action,” said Reverend Damasane. The statements sent the
crowd into jubilation, a clear testimony of how people are proud of their culture. In line with
ZimAsset objectives, Reverend Damasane underscored the need for Zimbabweans to respect
and practice their culture as it is a source of “a new and potent industrial base.”
The two day event was punctuated by keynote presentations by the Namibian Ambassador to
Zimbabwe, Mrs Balbina Daes Pienaar and the Vice-Chancellor of the Reformed Church
University, Professor Wiseman Magwa.