Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
VETERAN arts administrator and academic, Dr Nozipo Maraire, has been recognised for her consistency and hard work after being reappointed chairperson of the National Arts Council board.
The arts sector has also endorsed the decision made by the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Anslem Sanyatwe.
Dr Maraire was honoured with a second term, reflecting her visionary leadership.
Other board members include Raphael Mhone, Brigadier-General (Retired) Richard Matambo, Gail Van Jaarsveldt, Tariro Washe, Takawira Maswiswi, Sibongile Ncube, Farai Mpfunya, Lawrence Mkwala and Dr Lucia Mkandhla.
“The minister has reappointed Dr Nozipo Maraire to continue as the board chairperson for a second term, demonstrating confidence in her transformative leadership, which has driven significant change and growth within the council since 2021. The board’s term will last four years (2025-2029) in accordance with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act (Chapter 10:31),” reads part of the statement.
“The appointment of this new board reflects the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture’s commitment to governance that combines strategic planning with close engagement with the creative community. Its duties will include shaping policy, securing sustainable funding for the arts, and supporting initiatives that promote industry growth and broaden access to arts programmes.
“The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe thanks outgoing board members for their dedicated service and valuable contributions during their tenure.”
With new leadership in place, the board has substantial responsibilities to make the creative sector viable.
The board, which consists of both new and seasoned arts administrators, is expected to conduct a series of training programmes, including financial literacy, investment, professionalism and the power of synergies and collaborations. Most creatives have been losing millions of dollars to individuals who deceive them out of their royalties and whose art collections are sold to international buyers for a fortune, while they receive only peanuts.
A lack of financial literacy and poverty have caused many creatives to suffer significant losses to con artists. This is an area where Dr Maraire’s board should urgently focus to ensure that the creative sector remains viable for its players, who have excelled despite these challenges. The lack of financial literacy has left many creatives destitute, regardless of the fame they may have attained in their peak years.
This issue must be urgently addressed to ensure the creative sector is not mocked but instead shines for its talent.
