Harare — ZIMBABWEANS should safeguard their cultural practices and promote national heritage, which is vital in countering cultural imperialism, a senior Government official has said.

Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Cde Lazarus Dokora made the remarks at an inaugural Rushinga Annual Arts Festival in Rushinga, saying it was important to preserve the country's culture, which was one of the symbols of national identity. "As Zimbabweans, we should have a cultural identity and this could be seen through the concept of a national dress code," he said. Cde Dokora said his wish was to see the restoration of Zimbabwean cultures.

"With the coming of colonial rule and political circumstances that prevailed during colonial rule, Zimbabwean organised way of life fell off as the colonial mentality dismantled our traditional authority.

"This marked the beginning of cultural erosion," he said. Cde Dokora said colonialists disturbed patterns of traditional rule through frustrating, degrading and strangling Zimbabwe's cultural and artistic traditions on the pretext of bringing civilisation.

He said the arts festival in Rushinga was a way of re-fostering traditional practices in a bid to counter cultural imperialism. Speaking at the same occasion, Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture Permanent Secretary Dr Steven Mahere said the festival contributed to the integration of society through expressing social organisation, giving institutions their identity, perpetuating values and promoting group solidarity.

"This festival has gone a long way to address Cde Dokora's mandate as a legislator, educator and man of the people who has the needs of Rushinga people at heart," he said.

Cde Dokora took the opportunity to donate 100 metres clothing material to models who contested at the arts festival saying it was to be used to prepare national dresses for the young models.