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Arts centres continue to be the hub of cultural heritage as they promote, preserve and conserve culture. On January 23, the Minister of Sports Arts and Recreation honourable Kazembe Kazembe attended a two-day indaba in Bulawayo where he met artists and art administrators for a familiarisation tour.
In his keynote address the minister encouraged dialogue between artist and the government. Artist should form associations where they draft their grievances then conveys them to Government. The Indaba which was held at Bulawayo Polytechnic School of Hospitality and Tourism attracted myriad of artist from visual to performing artist.
Honourable Kazembe revealed that part of his 100 days under the stewardship of His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa was to launch a cultural policy. The Indaba was more of dialogues were honourable Kazembe Kazambe said was there to listen to what the audience had to say. In order to archive the cultural policy there is need for corporation in the Ministry every parastatal body has to play its part.
Upon the backdrop of the 100 days there is need for every parastatal to plan ahead. There is need of a flash-forward of events to help issue that pre planning is a necessity. In the spotlight were the exorbitant Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) charges on artists. He pledged to look into these hype ZIMRA charges on artist imports and exports.
During the discussion artists raised concern on the National Broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) upon non-payment of shows. To answer this arising matter the Minister Honourable Kazembe Kazembe pledged to engage the Ministry of Media Information and Publicity in ensuring that payments are increased and on time.
Quoting His Excellency, President Mnangagwa’s inauguration speech remarks, “It’s not business as usual”, the minister stressed on the need to work hard in order to excel as a Ministry in this new era. The Indaba was an eye opener as it highlighted some topical issues that had been overlooked from the previous meeting in Harare.
During the familiarisation tour the minister visit art sites such as Amakhosi Culture Centre, Mzilikazi Arts and Crafts Centre, Umkhati Theatre Works and National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. There is need to refurbish arts centres as they are of importance in conservation, promotion and preservation of Zimbabwe’s cultural Heritage.
After 100 days the Minister promised to have another meeting of such calibre whereby the Ministry will be evaluating failures and successes encountered along the process.
The Acting National Gallery of Zimbabwe Director Raphael Chikukwa met with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo staff and discussed on the deliberations by the Ministry of Arts Sports and Recreation this year.
Online Reporter