Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The 6th edition of the Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (Praca) is set to shine a spotlight on youth creativity as a catalyst for community transformation. Scheduled to take place from December 18 to 20, this year’s theme positions the arts as a tool to amplify young voices, promote civic participation, raise mental health awareness, tackle social justice issues, and empower youth to become active agents of change in their communities.
Spearheaded by cultural practitioners and community advocates Happy Mpofu and Evidence Zana, Praca was founded to create platforms for underground talent and young people actively engaged in community development. The 2025 edition responds to the growing demand for inclusive spaces where youth can express themselves creatively while contributing meaningfully to social transformation.
Planning for the festival began in May 2025, with organisers achieving key milestones, including strategic partnerships and collaborations.
This year, the Pracas collaborated with the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAAs), a partnership that will see Praca winners receive free tickets to attend the BAAs. Selected Praca performances will be showcased on the BAA platform.
The three-day festival will be hosted at Isilwane Youth Centre, while the main awards ceremony and dinner will take place at Pumula North Hall. These community-based venues were chosen for their accessibility and strong roots within the communities Praca seeks to serve and empower.
Youth empowerment remains at the heart of the programme. Every activity, from workshops, rehearsals, and dialogues to performances and the awards ceremony, is designed to build confidence, develop creative skills, provide platforms for expression, and connect young artists to networks and opportunities across the creative and development sectors.
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant red-carpet experience, electrifying live performances, and the recognition of outstanding artistes, creatives, and community changemakers. The awards celebrate not just artistic excellence but also social impact, honouring those whose work entertains, educates, inspires dialogue, and contributes to positive community change.
Nominees include emerging and established artistes, community creatives, youth groups, and cultural practitioners from diverse disciplines.
