Panyatsime Heritage and Cultural Centre backs government initiatives

CLOUDINE MATOLA
Panyatsime Heritage and Cultural Centre in Chitungwiza is positioning itself as a key partner in supporting the Government’s heritage-based education curriculum by offering hands-on cultural learning experiences, Business Times can report.

Speaking during the Global Community Engagement Day, Panyatsime Heritage and Cultural Centre founder and chief executive officer, Rumbidzai Dihwa, said the centre was designed to complement Government efforts by translating heritage education from theory into practice.
“Our aim is to ensure that when learners and institutions visit the centre, we are speaking the same language as the curriculum. We are bringing the practical aspects of heritage education to life,” said Dihwa.
She said the centre goes beyond being a conventional cultural space, positioning itself as a learning facility focused on restoring Zimbabwe’s identity and deepening cultural awareness through education and community engagement.
“Our culture centre is more than just a destination for entertainment; it serves as a vital resource for school pupils and the public to explore and learn about cultural and heritage issues. It is dedicated to restoring African and Zimbabwean identity and raising cultural awareness among current and future generations,” Dihwa said.
She added that every programme hosted at the centre reflects the richness and resilience of the community.
“Every event and every activity here reflects the incredible diversity and strength of our community. We are committed to creating an environment where people can not only enjoy themselves but also learn from one another and build lasting bonds,” she said.
Dihwa said the centre was still in its formative stages but was already experiencing growing interest from partners and visitors, which is expected to drive its expansion.
“We are still in the early stages, but our engagements are expanding. As more partners come on board, we anticipate our impact will grow,” she said.
She emphasised that community engagement remains central to the centre’s mission, with deliberate efforts to collaborate with local organisations, cultural groups and international partners.
“Community engagement is at the heart of our mission. We actively collaborate with local organizations, cultural groups, and international partners to ensure that our culture centre is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all visitors. On this special day, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding, promoting sustainability, and supporting initiatives that uplift the communities we serve,” Dihwa said.
Dihwa also stressed the importance of early cultural education, noting growing interest from schools and positive feedback from pupils who have already visited the centre.
“Our culture is our heritage. We want our children to grow up knowing who they are and where they come from and there is positive feedback from school pupils who have already visited the centre,” she said.
She further called for stronger media collaboration, long-term partnerships and greater ward-level recognition in heritage and cultural reporting, adding that the centre was ready to support such initiatives.