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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
The Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa has recorded tremendous strides in making sure that the arts sector gets the recognition it deserves.
The Government has honoured artistic heroes in the past and recently conferred liberation hero status to late rhumba band members, Insimbi ZeZhwane members Elvis “MaEli” Mathe and Thembinkosi “Maviri” Mpofu.
Such a gesture is not isolated and is indicative of the Government’s drive to push the arts sector to grow and contribute to national development.
Anchored on the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no sector and no one behind, the spotlight has been shone on what was once a dim arts sector.
In December 2019, the President presided over a two-day Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) conference in keeping with his pledge to support artistes. He went on to endorse Songs of Lozikeyi, a musical, theatrical and poetic portrayal of the image of Queen of the Ndebele, Lozikeyi Dlodlo’s power and leadership in 2021.
The production, a marvel for the Bulawayo Arts Festival (Baf) charmed the First Citizen and went on to mesmerise attendees of the Dubai Expo 2020.
In the same year, President Mnangagwa conferred the late Zimdancehall juggernaut Soul Muzavazi “Souljah Love” Musaka with a liberation hero status, a bold move to show his appreciation for not only art but influential people within the sector who have contributed to the country’s social development.
Last year the Government afforded the late but great playwright Cont Mhlanga a State-assisted burial and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga visited the Mhlanga home in Nguboyenja to pay his condolences to the family, something that would only take passion and utmost respect to accomplish.
President Mnangagwa does not only recognise fallen heroes, but he also makes sure the welfare of living artistic legends ranks high in his priority order. – @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter