Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe has expressed deep concern over the slow pace at which local arts promoters are renewing their operating licences, warning that failure to comply with regulations will soon attract strict enforcement action.
The council recently issued a stern warning to unlicensed promoters, urging them to regularise their operations amid revelations that a significant number of event managers have been operating illegally.
The situation has raised serious compliance concerns, with promoters required to pay fees ranging from US$650 to US$925 for new and regular licences.
Although exact statistics on the number of compliant operators are still being compiled, NACZ chief executive officer Napoleon Nyanhi stated that the council is intensifying its awareness campaigns.
“There has been laxity in renewing licences among some promoters, especially the seasoned ones,” said Nyanhi.
“In some cases, some of them were not aware of the requirements, which we are now educating them about. The issue has been ongoing for some time, but we have since realised that it was high time we intensified the campaign.”On enforcement, Nyanhi explained that the council is initially focusing on education, but warned of a looming crackdown.
“We are currently educating them on the need to regularise their operations, especially those who were not aware of these requirements,” he said.
“If the trend continues, we will engage the police starting next year to ensure compliance with licensing regulations. Like any other sector, we are doing our best to ensure that promoters operate within the confines of the law.” It has also emerged that some long-time industry figures are bypassing the law by paying registered operators to host events on their behalf rather than obtaining licences in their own names. In terms of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2006, Section 13, Subsection 4, organising a commercial public entertainment event without a valid NACZ promoters’ licence constitutes a clear violation of the law.
