By Kudzai Madara 

WITH its rich cultural heritage and history, Zimbabwe is experiencing significant transformation that has diluted its traditional practices.
The once strong sense of community encapsulated in terms like ‘mushandira pamwe’ (working together) and ‘nhimbe’ (a communal farming or work effort) is giving way to a more fragmented society influenced heavily by foreign cultures.
This article delves into how these changes have affected social cohesion among Zimbabweans, created challenges in political discourse, and highlights the potential lessons that can be drawn from cultures such as those found in India and China.
Historical context of unity
Traditionally, Zimbabwean societies were deeply rooted in communal living. The idea of ‘mushandira pamwe’ meant that community members collaborated for their mutual benefit, often assisting each other in farming, building homes, or at social events.
This sense of unity fostered strong networks of support that were vital for survival, especially in rural areas.
Cultural practices were transmitted through oral traditions, rituals and community gatherings, preserving values that emphasised respect, cooperation, and collective responsibility.
The concept of ‘nhimbe’ brought people together, creating bonds that transcended individual interests for the sake of community welfare.
Influx of foreign influences
The advent of globalisation, colonisation and urbanisation has exposed Zimbabweans to a plethora of foreign cultural influences.
Western values, lifestyles and practices have pervaded various aspects of life, from fashion to social behaviour, often overshadowing traditional norms. The decline in adherence to cultural rituals, languages and communal activities signals a dramatic shift in identity.
As modern technologies and communications have become prevalent, there has been a rapid embracing of foreign media. Many young people in Zimbabwe now consume content that reflects Western ideals, leading to a preference for foreign entertainment over local traditions. The widespread adoption of foreign languages, notably English, can contribute to alienating individuals from their native dialects, which are crucial carriers of culture.
Impact on social cohesion
The consequences of this cultural shift have been profound. As traditional ties weaken, the communal spirit that once defined Zimbabwean society has diminished.
People are more inclined to prioritise individualism over collective well-being, which has resulted in a lack of collaborative effort towards common goals. The erosion of traditional collaborative practices, such as ‘mushandira pamwe’ has impeded the ability of communities to address shared challenges, be it in agriculture, social issues or political engagement.
Moreover, as cultural identities become fragmented, people may find it increasingly challenging to relate to one another. When cultural narratives are destabilised, the shared understanding that once facilitated cooperation becomes questionable; while collective memory wanes in the shadows of modernisation.
This fragmentation paves the way for divisions and a polarised political environment, as individuals align themselves with disparate foreign ideologies rather than shared national interests.
Polarisation in politics
The political landscape in Zimbabwe has been deeply affected by this cultural disintegration. Once, political discourse could draw upon a shared local culture and history to foster national unity.
However, as communal ties have weakened, political factions have often leveraged cultural dissonance to create divides, utilising identity politics to garner support.
The manipulation of culture for political gain has exacerbated tensions among the populace, transforming political debates into cultural battlegrounds. Instead of focusing on collective solutions for national challenges, political parties tend to emphasise their distinctive foreign ideologies, leading to increased factionalism. This environment makes it harder for constructive dialogue and collaborative efforts to flourish, further hindering national progress and unity.
Learning from other cultures: The Indian and Chinese paradigms
Amid these challenges, there are valuable lessons that Zimbabweans can glean from nations like India and China, which have maintained strong cultural identities despite the pressures of modernity.
Both countries exemplify how cultural heritage can coexist with modernisation, thus fostering unity of purpose and collective progress.
In India, festivals, rituals and traditional practices continue to play an integral role in daily life. The celebration of local customs binds communities together, often transcending regional and religious differences. Initiatives that promote local crafts, languages and heritage not only preserve culture but also encourage economic empowerment through tourism and local industries.
Similarly, China has effectively balanced modernisation with cultural preservation. The Chinese government actively promotes traditional values and customs, integrating them into education systems and national policy. Cultural heritage is considered vital to social cohesion and national pride, and efforts to maintain this heritage can be seen in the celebration of traditional festivals, practices, and cuisine. These nations carry and maintain their cultures everywhere they go as exemplified in the celebration of Chinese culture day recently in Harare.
These examples serve as a reminder that it is possible to embrace modernity while remaining anchored to one’s cultural roots. By prioritising cultural education and the preservation of traditional practices, Zimbabwe can work towards a more united society.
A call to action for Zimbabwe
To restore the spirit of ‘mushandira pamwe’ and to revitalise the communal approach to problem-solving, Zimbabweans must begin the process of cultural renaissance.
This involves actively participating in cultural events, embracing local languages, and reinforcing the values of co-operation and support inherent in our heritage.