Chronicle Editor
Raisedon Baya
LAST week the President reacted to the Coronavirus pandemic that has shaken the world by implementing a raft of measures to contain the virus. The annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), all planned activities for the 40th Independence celebrations were put on hold. All gatherings exceeding 100 people were cancelled. As we write the whole world is in fear. It is now obvious this virus will have serious social, health, and financial implications.
The effect of the pronouncement by the President on the creative sector was immediate. It saw the cancellations and postponement of a lot of shows and oversees performances. Locally, the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo immediately shut its doors. Events and performances lined up for April and May were immediately cancelled. I have seen the likes of Madlela Skhobokhobo, Jeys Marabini, Iyasa, Qeqeshiwe, Umkhathi Theatre cancelling their planned activities. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has also issued a statement urging all artistes to adhere to the President’s call. Everyone is encouraged to social distance, to work from home. Groups like Iyasa, Black Unfolosi, Nobuntu who had planned tours to Europe had to cancel as Europe itself is on lockdown.
Festivals too have been affected. I know there was the inaugural women’s festival that was earmarked for the end of March. It was cancelled. There are other big festivals pencilled in for the coming months. Those will be affected. Regrouping and another round of planning is needed. Speaking about Intwasa the festival too is affected. Though it’s in September and everyone hoping the virus will be contained by then, the planning is affected. There is fear generally with everyone. People are afraid to commit to an unknown future. So, it’s a wait and see game.
There is something about these cancellations, especially by creatives, that should strike a fear in all creatives. We all know the situation in the country. Creatives basically are like hawkers. They live from hand to mouth. Not many of them have something saved for days like these. Now imagine them going for 60 days without work. It basically means most creatives are facing starvation. That’s the truth.
In other countries all creatives that had events lined up and cancelled because of the virus are being compensated. But to look for compensation in this country would be an exercise in vain. Where would one even start from? So dear creatives who live in Zimbabwe and had not saved anything for a rainy day prepare for the worst. Starvation. Unless you quickly come up with other revenue streams. So good luck in that area.
It is unfortunate that after the pronouncement by the President there were no measures put to make sure every sector abides by the rules. So, while artistes are busy cancelling shows and events, supermarkets are busy selling to crowds of more than 100 people at a time. While artistes are busy being told they cannot travel and perform for their living, the transport sector is busy carrying passengers in hundreds at a time. The ranks continue swarming with people.
While artistes have stopped business, restaurants and nightclubs continue operating, serving hundreds and hundreds of people. How then does the country effectively contain this virus when there are so many loopholes for the virus to manoeuvre and continue causing havoc? Food for thought.
My last point on this Covid-19 situation is more of a suggestion. I see opportunity for artistes. In the past the arts have been effectively used to spread messages of hope and information about different diseases. Malaria, HIV and Aids, cholera, tuberculosis and others. Is this not the time to use the arts, in all its different forms to educate our people about the virus?
Government can still co-ordinate these efforts but pay the artistes to do the messaging. In that way artistes may not starve as they will be employed while other efforts are being made to contain the virus. Again, food for thought.
Online Reporter