Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
Youth Interactive Correspondent
PLUMTREE-BASED digital artist and animator Kadelwa Ndlovu has been announced as one of the Top 40 finalists in the Old Mutual Value Creation Challenge (VCC), a nationwide incubation programme that supports innovative start-ups and small business owners.
This prestigious recognition announced on Wednesday speaks to Ndlovu’s exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
The VCC, a comprehensive program that provides professional business development and learning opportunities, connections, and financial support to entrepreneurs and early-stage start-ups with innovative prototypes.
Ndlovu’s participation in the programme is a significant milestone for his business, Kadelwa Arts, and marks a new chapter in his journey as a digital artist.
Ndlovu’s inspiration for applying to the VCC stems from his belief in the potential of the creative economy in Zimbabwe.
“I was inspired to apply for the Value Creation Challenge because I believe that the creative economy in Zimbabwe has immense potential, but it needs more platforms that recognise, nurture and invest in local talent,” he said.
With a background in fine art and digital creation, Ndlovu brings a unique blend of traditional and digital skills to the table, which he believes positions him well to contribute meaningfully to the programme.
With the support of the VCC, Ndlovu plans to formalise Kadelwa Arts into a structured animation academy that offers training, mentorship and content production services.
“My plan is to focus on scalability and sustainability. I’ll use the mentorship to sharpen my business strategy, the funding to invest in essential tools and resources, and the network to build collaborations and partnerships,” he shared.
Ndlovu also aims to create employment opportunities for animators, scriptwriters, illustrators, and sound designers in Zimbabwe. Ndlovu’s art style is a unique blend of traditional and digital elements, which he believes can impact the community by promoting cultural heritage and creativity.
“By blending traditional elements (like African symbolism, folklore, and local languages) with digital mediums, my art becomes a bridge between the past and the future,” he explained.
He told Youth Interactive section that his goal is to inspire others to embrace creativity as a serious profession and to use art as a way of healing, educating, and uniting communities.
The animator, known by his “The adventures of Ludzi” series has been working on establishing an academy that will focus on 2D animation, character design, storyboarding, and digital illustration.
“It’s taking shape! I’ve been designing the curriculum, researching relevant tools, and connecting with local and international mentors,” he revealed.
The academy will prioritise accessibility, especially for underserved youth, and will explore scholarships and partnerships to make it a reality.
In the short term, Ndlovu’s goal is to launch the Kadelwa Animation Academy officially, starting with online classes and community-based workshops in Zimbabwe.
Long-term, he envisions Kadelwa Arts becoming a production house that creates African animation content for global platforms.
Last year, he didn’t only participate at the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF) in South Africa but also secured a commendable second place in the, “Rising Talent” category for his animation piece “Lost in Space.”
By building a sustainable and vibrant creative industry, Ndlovu believes that Kadelwa Arts can contribute significantly to the growth and development of the creative sector in Zimbabwe.
With the support of the programme, Ndlovu is poised to take his business to the next level and make a meaningful contribution to the creative industry in Zimbabwe.
