Triumphant Hwamanda Dance Troupe Presents Victory Shield After Malawi Triumph

By Brenda Mazhambe

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s cultural diplomacy and artistic excellence took centre stage last week when Hwamanda Dance Troupe presented a victory shield to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Nicholas Moyo, following the troupe’s outstanding performance at the 17th NASFEST International Youth Cultural Festival held in Malawi.

The colourful presentation ceremony held in Harare celebrated the troupe’s first-place finish at the prestigious regional festival, a feat widely regarded as a demonstration of Zimbabwe’s growing influence in cultural exchange, youth empowerment and creative excellence on the international stage.

Speaking during the shield presentation, Mr Moyo commended the troupe for exhibiting professionalism, discipline and patriotism while representing Zimbabwe abroad, saying the achievement was a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent.

“It becomes very important that when we get invitations, we look at them carefully and do thorough research about the level of the festivals where we are sending our groups because when Zimbabwe participates, we must participate with purpose, dignity and professionalism,” said Mr Moyo.

“I want to congratulate you for going out there and showing what Zimbabwe is all about, and what professionalism is all about. You carried the Zimbabwean flag with pride and demonstrated that our cultural sector has the capacity to compete and excel at international level.”

The Permanent Secretary said international cultural engagements must go beyond competition and awards, stressing that such platforms create opportunities for networking, learning and nation branding.

“Do not travel and fail to network because if you travel and do not network, you are simply becoming tourists. These festivals are platforms for engagement, learning and building relationships that can open doors for Zimbabwean artists and our country at large,” he said.

He further applauded the troupe for inspiring young people through creative arts while helping fight social ills through positive cultural expression.

“Let us remember one thing, one of our major tasks as artists and cultural practitioners is to inspire the next generation. Thank you for doing that diligently. Your success is not only your own victory, but a victory for the youths of Zimbabwe who now have role models to emulate in the arts sector,” said Mr Moyo.

The Hwamanda Dance Troupe Director, Linnot Laimbo, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture for supporting the troupe’s participation at the festival, saying the experience had transformed the lives of the performers while elevating Zimbabwe’s cultural standing in the region.

“We went to Malawi carrying the dances, rhythms and stories of Zimbabwe and we returned as champions. This shield is not just for Hwamanda Dance Troupe, but for the entire nation of Zimbabwe because it represents the strength of our culture and the resilience of our people,” said Laimbo.

“To the Permanent Secretary, you approved our travel and that decision changed our lives while also putting Zimbabwe on the stage in Lilongwe. We are deeply grateful for the confidence and trust that the Ministry placed in us.”

Laimbo said the troupe’s participation at the festival created valuable cultural connections with artists and diplomats from across the region, reaffirming the importance of arts in strengthening relations between nations.

“We interacted with fellow performers, cultural experts and diplomats from different countries and we realised that culture is a conversation that builds bridges across nations. Through dance, music and storytelling, Zimbabwe was able to speak to the world in a language everyone understands,” he said.

He also paid tribute to Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi, Nancy Saungweme, for supporting the troupe during the festival.
“We are equally grateful to Her Excellency Dr Nancy Saungweme, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi. To have her witnessing our performance and then committing to invite us to Zimbabwe’s 47th Independence Celebrations in Malawi in 2027 was the greatest honour we have ever received,” said Laimbo.

The triumph by the Hwamanda Dance Troupe is being viewed as another milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to promote cultural diplomacy and position the arts sector as a key pillar in national development and youth empowerment.