Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, recently in Pretoria, South Africa
SEVEN dynamic Zimbabwean women are returning home inspired and equipped after participating in the 2025 Gender@Work programme, run by the Music in Africa Foundation (MIAF). The intensive initiative, designed for aspiring female event production managers from across Africa, has been hailed by participants as a game-changer.
The programme blended theoretical learning with practical experience, culminating in an internship at the Music in Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) in Tshwane. Over three days, the interns were immersed in stage management, conference logistics, sound, lighting and artist liaison — gaining invaluable, hands-on exposure to professional music event production.
For Mitchell Banda, an artiste manager from Bulawayo, the experience opened her eyes to new possibilities.
“It’s shown me how far we can take this, especially from a Bulawayo perspective. Opportunities like this don’t come often, and to be part of it was incredible. There’s so much to explore in the music business beyond being an artiste or manager — stage management, lighting, production, it’s all possible,” she said.
Banda described working alongside industry veteran Carine Tredgold, as a career-defining moment.
She also drew inspiration from the innovative use of non-traditional venues, such as Pretoria’s 012 Central, which she hopes to emulate in Bulawayo.
Harare-based events co-ordinator Michelle Dhube echoed Banda’s sentiments, noting that the programme underscored the vital role women play in the music industry.
“I’ve realised just how much women can contribute. Collaboration was key, as we came together from different countries and cultures to work as a unified team.”
Dhube, whose background is more administrative, appreciated the technical production training — particularly learning to compile a “technical bible” outlining artistes’ requirements and technical specifications.
Other Zimbabwean participants included Nyaradzo Nonnie Matanga, Audrey Katerere, Tatenda Chioniso Rushwaya, Trish Mutemererwa and Theodora Fiona R Gwena. Together, they underwent rigorous training focused on the live music sector, covering event production: planning, budgeting, partnerships, stage management, live sound engineering, stage lighting, crisis management and addressing gender-related challenges.
The programme also offered mentoring, networking opportunities and the potential for further internships across Africa, Reunion Island and Europe. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
derick.khumalo