Artists and scholars in Bulawayo have voiced their significant frustration over the failure to enforce policies meant to bolster the creative sector.
They point out the consequent sluggish economic expansion, inadequate financial support, and a severe lack of necessary infrastructure and crucial equipment required for nurturing local talent.
Bulawayo emerges as a vibrant hub for creativity, cultivating artistic skills across numerous fields. The city’s educational institutions significantly contribute to promoting innovation and creativity.
Bulawayo serves as a thriving home for visual artists, painters, sculptors, and musicians, demonstrating a strong interplay between advanced learning institutions and creative endeavors. This partnership bolsters the city’s standing as a key center for innovation and scholarly progress.
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 stressed the importance of governmental involvement, encouraging them to offer grants, loans, and financial assistance. This aid should extend beyond just coaching and cover crucial facilities like expansive, high-quality studios for music and dance, akin to what’s typically shown on global TV networks.
“Without the backing of the government, we can’t accomplish this,” Ndebele stated.
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 cognizant of the regulation requiring 75% local content. Personally, I think this rule is merely on paper—it’s documented but not actually enforced,” she stated.
“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 voiced comparable views, highlighting the difficulties encountered by higher education institutions in such demanding circumstances, which consequently result in graduates failing to fulfill the requirements of the job market.
“We work in an industry that is always changing. As higher education bodies, we adhere to a structured syllabus, yet it’s essential for us to keep up with all the developments happening in the media landscape and across the wider sector. This helps ensure that our institutions graduate students who are highly capable,” explained Sibanda.
She also expressed deep concern about the considerable difficulty in equipping students with specialized skills that demand extensive infrastructure and technical know-how. These necessary resources are frequently lacking within educational institutions yet can be easily accessed in industrial settings.
“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 shouldn’t limit theater to conventional venues or store our scripts only between book pages. What we require are platforms that readily absorb our ingenuity.
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.”
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