Artists and academics in Bulawayo have expressed their deep frustration regarding the lack of implementation of policies designed to support the creative industries.
They cite the resulting stagnant growth, insufficient financial assistance and a critical shortage of infrastructure and essential equipment needed to cultivate local talent.
Bulawayo stands as a dynamic creative center, nurturing artistic talent across a wide spectrum of disciplines. The city’s universities play a crucial role in fostering innovation and creativity.
Home to a vibrant community of visual artists, painters, sculptors and musicians, Bulawayo showcases a powerful synergy between higher education and artistic expression. This collaboration reinforces the city’s reputation as a significant hub for both creativity and intellectual advancement.
These concerns were brought to the fore during a panel discussion at the third edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Media Indaba, held at the National Art Gallery. Panelists from diverse sectors shared their insights on the event’s theme, Celebrating the Creative Economy for Industrial Growth.
The panel comprised prominent figures, including musician Sandra Ndebele, Zimpapers Institute acting principal Limukani Ncube, Lupane State University acting chairperson in the Department of Languages, Media and Communication Studies Sanelisiwe Sibanda, veteran playwright and educationist Thabani Moyo and ZiFM Stereo station manager Danis Dube.
“If all the policies that are put in place were implemented, our industry would be significantly larger and of higher quality. We would see improved standards due to proper financial support,” said Ndebele.
She emphasised the need for government intervention, urging them to provide grant loans and financial support, not only for coaching, but also for essential infrastructure such as large, professional-grade studios for music and dance, similar to those seen on international television.
- Act on Pandora Papers expose
- Pandora Papers: Top Mnangagwa official exposed in biggest leak
- Act on Pandora Papers expose
- Pandora Papers: Top Mnangagwa official exposed in biggest leak
Keep Reading
“Without the government’s support, we simply cannot achieve this,” Ndebele said.
Ndebele also highlighted the potential for strengthening the industry through effective collaboration between the government and artists, advocating for government investment in the creative sector to foster artistic development.
“We are also aware of the policy that mandates 75% local content. However, I personally believe this policy exists only on paper; it is written, but not actively implemented,” she said.
“Why is this the case? While many of our local artists struggle to fill stadiums, foreign artists readily do so, due to various factors. If such policies were effectively built and implemented to protect our industry, we would undoubtedly experience greater growth.”
Sibanda echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the struggles faced by tertiary institutions under these challenging conditions, ultimately leading to the production of graduates who do not meet the demands of the industry.
“We operate in a constantly evolving industry. As tertiary institutions, we follow a set curriculum, but it is crucial for us to stay abreast of all the changes occurring within the media and the broader industry. This ensures that we produce the most competent graduates from our institutions,” Sibanda said.
She further lamented the significant challenge of training students in specialised skills that require substantial infrastructure and technical expertise, resources often unavailable within the institutions themselves but readily found within the industry.
“Therefore, while we are doing our utmost, we face a significant challenge. We urgently need support. The government has provided some infrastructure, but we also need the industry itself and new businesses to forge partnerships with us,” Sibanda said.
She added: “We require more than our current resources — more equipment, greater expertise, and dedicated spaces within a creative hub. This is essential to nurture the diverse talent and skills that we aim to cultivate in the graduates we produce.”
Moyo emphasised the stagnation in creativity within theatre and its ongoing struggle to reach a wider audience.
“Theatre needs to undergo a transformation. We must embrace new media tools and integrate them into our work,” he said.
“We need to ensure that theatre transcends physical venues and borders by utilising livestreaming platforms to maintain relevance.
“We cannot confine theatre to traditional spaces or keep our scripts solely within books. We need platforms that actively consume our creativity.”
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Jenfan Muswere, acknowledged the significance of the third edition of the indaba.
“The ZITF Media Indaba provides a valuable platform for us to engage with artists, journalists, and other media practitioners as we work towards an inclusive environment,” he said.
“This allows for participation and the sharing of information, ultimately enriching the industry.”
