Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
THE National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) has warned event promoters operating without valid licences to regularise their operations or risk enforcement action, as it moves to clamp down on illegal public entertainment events.
In a statement issued on October 16, the council said it would work with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to conduct joint inspections, monitoring and enforcement operations targeting promoters operating without licences and those failing to meet required event standards.
The move comes amid concerns over the continued hosting of public performances and commercial entertainment events by unlicensed promoters, a practice the council says violates the law and undermines the professionalism of Zimbabwe’s creative sector.
The NACZ said its licensing mandate was provided for under Section 13(4) of Statutory Instrument 87 of 2006, adding that promoters, corporate entities, event organisers and organisations hosting commercial public entertainment events were required to obtain valid licences.
“The NACZ is issuing a stern warning to all unlicensed promoters to desist from hosting events,” said the council.
It warned that allowing unregistered promoters to operate exposed audiences and artistes to various risks, including poor security, inadequate crowd control, unsafe venues and a lack of emergency medical services.
The council also raised concern over the exploitation of artistes through non-payment or delayed payment, the absence of written contracts, unfair revenue-sharing arrangements and the denial of royalties and other rights.
Audiences, meanwhile, risk falling victim to misleading advertising, cancelled shows and poorly organised events, while communities may be affected by noise pollution and other forms of disorder.
The NACZ said unlicensed operators also created unfair competition by undercutting legitimate promoters, discouraging investment in the entertainment industry and contributing to revenue losses for the Government and local authorities.
It further warned that poorly organised events could damage the reputation of Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry, undermine sponsors’ confidence and weaken the country’s growing entertainment brand.
To address the situation, the council has urged promoters without valid licences to visit its head office in Harare or any of its provincial offices countrywide to begin the regularisation process.
The requirements include completing the relevant application forms, paying the prescribed licensing fees and complying with health and safety regulations.
The council called on stakeholders in the arts and culture industry to cooperate with the directive, saying compliance was necessary to create a safe, lawful and professional environment for the sector.
The warning places renewed emphasis on the responsibilities of event organisers as Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry continues to provide platforms for artistes while contributing to the country’s creative economy.
