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Augustine Hwata
ZIMBABWE’S arts and culture sector could be heading for a boon following the creation of a standalone ministry, an official has said. Speaking at a breakfast meeting yesterday hosted by the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture in Harare, Culture Fund executive director Farai Mupfunya believed the creation of the ministry was a positive step.
Mupfunya said the fact that the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Andrew Langa, and his team had engaged the artistes and sportspersons showed they had good intentions.
“This stakeholders meeting shows a clear declaration of intent on the part of the ministry.
“As the arts and culture sector, we are happy that there is a going to be a clear direction.
“The arts and culture or sports is no longer just about entertainment but it should be a way to articulate who we are as Zimbabweans.
“We should forge what it means as Zimbabweans through engaging,” said Mupfunya in his remarks.
Minister Langa said the creation of his ministry following Zanu-PF’s victory in the elections was a milestone for the arts, sports and culture.
Milestone
“The creation of the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture is a milestone in the development of the sport, arts and culture sectors in Zimbabwe.
“Government’s decision to create the ministry was to enable each respective sector to achieve greater prominence in contributing to the national development agenda while at the same time increase investments in the sportsmen and artistes who develop the products which are significant to the national social foundation and economy of the country,” said Langa.
Among the delegates at the meeting were Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, iconic musician Oliver Mtukudzi, actor Watson Chidzomba, filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembwa, music promoter Partson Chimbodza and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvas Mari.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority spokesperson Sugar Chagonda also attended the meeting.
Online Reporter