Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Chenhaka Trust on Wednesday hosted a high-level dinner meeting at a hotel in Harare aimed at sensitising members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture on the critical role of arts and culture in social and economic development and job creation in Zimbabwe.
The event, held under the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative, was attended by members of the portfolio committee led by acting chairperson Hon Joseph Tshuma and Hon Lungile Ncube, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Acting Chief Director Dr Biggie Samwanda, as well as representatives from the Zimbabwe Theatre Association, Zimbabwe Sculptors Association, and the Zimbabwe Fashion Association.
Chenhaka Trust director Taurai Moyo said the meeting was designed to give lawmakers a clear understanding of the realities faced by the arts sector.
“We decided to host this sensitisation programme so that our Parliamentarians have a clear picture of what is happening on the ground. We first conducted thorough research with artistes and associations, which was compiled by Simbarashe Mudhokwani,” Moyo said.
“The findings highlight the need for more funding and policy interventions. For example, there are issues related to Duty Rebates and Taxes. The current SI 136 of 2003 covers recording and broadcasting equipment, musical instruments, and public address systems, but excludes spare parts and consumables. Other areas, such as power tools and raw materials, should also benefit.”
Moyo expressed optimism that the issues raised during the engagement would be discussed further in Parliament.
“I’m thrilled with the outcome of our high-level engagement dinner meeting, where we presented a compelling case for the impact of arts and culture on social and economic development in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The dialogue on public funding for the arts was enlightening, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to engage with Parliamentarians and stakeholders. We’re optimistic that this effort will help secure parliamentary support for the arts and culture sector, ultimately contributing to its growth and development.”
Moyo added that the engagement was a crucial step towards achieving the objectives of the Connect for Culture Africa project, which aims to build stronger cultural policies and support structures across the continent.
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Peter Tanyanyiwa