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Mthabisi Tshuma Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Preparations are now at an advanced stage for the two-day National Policy Indaba Dialogue on the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs), with organisers confirming that all is in place for the crucial national engagement taking place in Nyanga.
Chenhaka Trust has been leading provincial dialogues across Bulawayo, Harare and Manicaland to gather wide-ranging input from stakeholders. The initiative focuses on collecting data that demonstrates the contribution of arts and culture to Zimbabwe’s social and economic development.
Speaking from Nyanga, Chenhaka Trust director Taurai Moyo said all is in place for the high-level two-day meeting, which will bring together arts practitioners, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and other key institutions, from Wednesday.
“We are immensely proud that this Indaba will truly reflect the national scope of our endeavour, drawing participants from all 10 provinces. This broad representation ensures that the resulting policy recommendations will be inclusive, reflecting the unique challenges, opportunities and cultural diversity present across the nation,” said Moyo.
He said the strong participation of government officials underscores the State’s commitment to strengthening the creative sector.
“The robust participation of key government officials, including the delegation from the Parent Ministry led by the director of Arts Promotions and Development, Dr Biggie Samwanda, NACZ assistant director Arts Development and
Promotions Mrs Barbara Gotore, and communications and marketing manager Agga Nyabinde, shows the Government’s dedication to prioritising and supporting this vital sector.
“The Indaba will also receive a significant boost with an official opening address from the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Advocate Misheck Mugadza, setting the tone for the discussions ahead,” he said.
Moyo noted that the dialogue has been designed as a dynamic, multi-sectoral platform bringing together diverse expertise critical for the growth of the CCIs.
“We’re particularly excited to welcome esteemed academics such as Professor Jacob Mapara from Chinhoyi University, who will moderate a key panel and present an important paper on the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Creative Industry Nexus. His colleague, an IT specialist, will lead a session on leveraging AI to amplify Zimbabwe’s Cultural and Creative Industries, emphasising the importance of technological integration.
“The inclusion of industry practitioners is equally strong, with perspectives from PANELZ chairman Tafadzwa Muzondo, the Zimbabwe Music Union’s Chioneso Rutsito and seasoned artiste Styx Mhlanga from Matabeleland North.
This gathering of minds, spanning policy, academia, technology and grassroots artistry, ensures that the Policy Indaba will not only discuss policy but craft actionable, progressive and sustainable strategies for the development of Zimbabwe’s cultural economy,” said Moyo. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
