Goromonzi District Development Coordinator Prisca Dube (all pics by BY CLYDE TINASHE DONDO)
BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
Huayou Cobalt Zimbabwe Base hosted the 2026 Africa Day Cultural Celebrations at Mwanza High School in Goromonzi District, at an fun-filled event which left members of the community yearning for more.
It was entertainment galore, from music performances, poetry, Nyau Dancers and tug of war games among other activities.
As if that was not enough, the day’s festivities also included cookout competitions, which saw local women battling it out to serve delicious local dishes.
The Africa Day celebrations ran under the theme: “Sports and Culture, Catalysts for Climate Action”, while the cookout competition was held under the theme “ Where flavours meet, Cultures Connect.
Guest of honour at the event, Goromonzi District Development Coordinator Prisca Dube praised the organisers for the event which brought together various stakeholders including community members and school children.
Dube also emphasised on unity, which she said was key to development.
“It is a great honour for me today as we celebrate Africa Day in style, we are proud of being Africans as Zimbabweans and we celebrate it with such festivities, as we remember that we have various cultures in Africa which we are observing today.
“Africa Day is more than a date on the calendar. On the 25th of May each year, we remember the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963.
“And we reaffirm our commitment to African unity, identity and progress,” said Dube.
She added: “today, we live that theme in the most African way possible, around food, around fire and around community.”
She revealed that food tells the story of who we are and the many regional dishes across our continent show that every part carries history, every spice carries memory, while every meal carries the spirit of hospitality that defines Africa.
“This cookout embodies our theme perfectly where flavours, meet cultures connect.
“In every dish, you see the blending of tradition and creativity of local ingredients and shared heritage.
“It is not just a competition for the tastiest plate, it is a celebration of the diversity that makes Africa strong.”
She also praised Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe for sponsoring the event which she said signifies good corporate responsibility.
Dube reiterated that good corporate responsibility is measured by more than profit, but more by “your investment in culture and community” which she said stands out.
Chief Chikwaka said Africa Day is important in preserving the continent’s traditions and heritage.
He said it was also important to celebrate unity and peace in Africa as we are one people.
“It is also good that for today’s celebrations we also have cultural exchange with the Chinese community.
“They (Chinese) have always been our friends, dating back to the days of the liberation struggle so to be joined by them in our celebrations is quite commendable.
“So today is just a day of celebration from the cookout competition to the sports competition, the tug of war, so basically today is just a day to celebrate,” said Chief Chikwaka.
Huayou Cobalt Zimbabwe Base representative Shaoyi said this year’s Africa Day theme: “Sports and Culture: Catalysts for Climate Change,” speaks directly to the spirit of unity, resilience, innovation and sustainability that defines the continent.
“At Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, this theme resonates deeply with us as a new energy minerals producer contributing toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.
“But beyond mining lithium, we believe in something even greater, investing in people, preserving culture and strengthening communities.
“Today’s celebration is therefore not only about Africa’s rich heritage, but also about the bonds we continue to build here in Goromonzi.
“As a company, we are truly honoured to have been welcomed, embraced, and integrated into this wonderful community. Your warmth, support, and partnership continue to inspire us as we work hand in hand toward meaningful development that benefits us all,” said Shaoyi.
He added that the theme for the cookout competition: “Where flavours meet, cultures connect,” perfectly captures the beauty of Africa.
Shaoyi said across the African continent, food has always been more than nourishment, it is identity, history, storytelling, family and unity.
“Around a meal, strangers become friends, neighbours become family, and cultures find common ground.
“The cookout competition we are hosting today proudly mirrors the vision of the First Lady’s national cookout initiative, which promotes our traditional cuisine, healthy living, and the preservation of our cultural heritage. “Through this initiative, we celebrate the richness of African foods and encourage communities to embrace nutritious, locally sourced meals that sustain both our health and our traditions.
“As we witness the incredible talent, creativity, and passion displayed today, let us remember that culture is not something of the past, it is something we live, protect and pass on.
“Every traditional dish prepared today carries with it a story, a memory, and a connection to our roots.”
He further said Africa Day also reminds on the importance of unity as Africa’s strength lies in its diversity, languages, music, dance, traditions and people.
“At Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, we remain committed not only to responsible mining, but also to supporting initiatives that uplift communities, empower people, and preserve the cultural values that make Africa unique.
“We believe sustainable development is achieved when companies and communities grow together with mutual respect, trust and shared purpose,” added Shaoyi.
“As we celebrate today through sport, culture, music, and food, may we continue building bridges of understanding, promoting healthy lifestyles, protecting our environment, and inspiring future generations to take pride in their African identity.”
Patience Chizodza, PLZ Public Relations Manager said, “as we celebrate Africa Day, we are reminded that Africa’s future lies in unity, industrialisation, education, innovation and sustainable development.
“At Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, we are proud to be contributing towards Zimbabwe’s economic growth through investment, job creation, skills development and value addition.
“Through the investments by Huayou in PLZ and Arcadia Technology Zimbabwe, significant progress has been made in advancing Zimbabwe’s position in the global lithium value chain.
“These projects are contributing to foreign currency generation, infrastructure development and employment creation while supporting the country’s beneficiation agenda.
“We are also proud of the strides being made in technical skills development through the recently signed tripartite agreement between Huayou, Ningbo Polytechnic University and Zimbabwean polytechnics, a partnership aimed at empowering young people and strengthening local technical capacity.
“Today’s celebrations therefore reflect not only African culture and identity, but also the spirit of progress, collaboration and transformation.”
