Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi was impressed by renowned sculptor Dominic Benhura’s artistic works during a tour of exhibition stands at the Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo, where he commended local creatives for producing quality products that showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.
VP Mohadi, who was accompanied by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe and Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, toured the exhibition stands and expressed satisfaction with the quality of products on display.
However, it was Benhura’s sculpture exhibition that particularly caught the Vice-President’s attention, with VP Mohadi describing the internationally acclaimed artist as a world-renowned sculptor.
“I was very much impressed by what is happening here. The exhibitions are so good, and they are exhibiting quality products, which means our people are doing very well,” he said.
“I was most impressed by Dominic Benhura’s exhibition. He is a world-known, renowned sculptor.”
VP Mohadi said the creative sector played a crucial role in promoting Zimbabwe’s identity and culture, adding that the Government was committed to supporting artists to enable them to produce works that could compete on both local and international markets.
“All of them are doing very well. I was very much impressed by what they are doing, and they are assured of Government support,” he said.
“We need to support these artists, both creative and otherwise, so that they come out with the best elements of whatever they produce, whether they take it internationally or locally.”
He said creative products were an important vehicle for marketing the country and preserving its cultural identity.
“It actually advertises what Zimbabwe does, and it therefore underpins our culture, the Zimbabwean culture. It’s a brand mark for our country,” VP Mohadi said.
Benhura, who is based in Harare, said he was delighted to meet the Vice-President Mohadi and explained his work, including his efforts to nurture young artistic talent and his contribution to promoting Zimbabwean sculpture internationally.
The 58-year-old sculptor, who began practising his craft at the age of 10, said he had spent four decades participating in international exhibitions, helping to raise the profile of Zimbabwean stone sculpture.
“I was so happy that the Vice-President Mohadi passed through my stand, and I was explaining to him how I nurture young talent and how I have represented Zimbabwe internationally in exhibitions over the past four decades,” he said.
“He was really impressed. He seemed to know my name, but we had never met before, so I was really happy to meet him.”
Benhura’s work is internationally recognised for its expressive forms and distinctive approach to stone sculpture, which has helped establish Zimbabwe as an important centre for contemporary stone art.
The Vice-President’s tour underscored the importance of platforms such as the Kuzana Sport and Creative Economy Expo in showcasing local talent, promoting cultural exchange and creating opportunities for artists and other creatives to reach wider markets.
The event also provided an opportunity for Government and industry stakeholders to engage with creatives and appreciate the contribution of the sector to cultural preservation, national identity and economic development.
