Kafest has helped to build culture: Chitepo

Weekender Reporter
KUMAKOMOYO Arts festival has over the years managed to build a positive image as well as the uniqueness and diversity of the culture in Mutare, a senior government official has said.

Speaking at this year’s edition of the event held on Saturday at Sakubva Stadium, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, Thokozile Chitepo, said the fair had grown into a formidable business and tourism opportunity that attracts visitors through destination market.

She said the festival also helped to a significant extent promote artistes who showcased cultural products.

“The festival brings together renowned artistes from our prisons, creating a platform for skills exchange and grooming of talent.

This interaction boost the self-esteem of inmates, cultivating a positive mind that the can make a living out of art.

Our ministry hopes that Kafest would grow and become a more than one-day festival that stretches over several days.

“It will be more important the festival achieves its mission of fighting crime and promoting empowerment,” she said.

She added that the festival had managed to be a source of self-empowerment for inmates.

She paid tribute to Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust for canoeing the festival to dizzy heights.