Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru– Artists in the Midlands province have been challenged to refrain from drug and substance abuse as it poses serious threats to the industry.
Addressing artists and various stakeholders at the official launch of the 2022 Midlands Arts Expo hosted by newly established art networking movement Ikwelo Arts Association last week in Gweru, Provincial Arts and Culture Officer Reward Shockson said drugs are becoming a menace among the youth as some have become totally dependent on substances for survival.
Shockson said events like the arts expo are designed in such a way that they recognize the socio-economic aspects of Zimbabwean youth and thus promote talent in creative arts.
“As artists and young people, I say you must stay away from drugs as they are not good for your lives and careers, they destroy your vision. Pursue your vision with focus and do not indulge in social ills which affects the development of your work. Artists have a significant role to play in building the nation through arts and performances.
“Drugs and substance abuse has posed serious threats to the arts industry, hence we cannot sit down and watch while the sector drowns. As artists, it is our duty to unite and advocate against substance abuse helping fellow brothers and sisters out there who have fallen victims. As we are gathered here, let us remember this day which will serve to recognize socio-economic aspects of the youth through cultural, creative arts, events and social expressions such as music and performances.
“Promoting Zimbabwe as a nation of opportunity involves tackling issues of gender equity and equality as well as looking at young people’s needs towards a more meaningful involvement in economic growth as focused by the youth policy, national arts culture and heritage policy,” said Shockson.
He also called upon youths to ensure the use of arts interventions in rural and urban centers for inclusivity.
“I call upon all youth in arts to propose the use of arts intervention in rural and urban centers in the country to enable the larger group of them staying in such areas to engage in dialogue and issues which arise in the communities.
“This will help foster inclusion and skill development through higher quality arts programming,” he added.
National Arts Council (NAC) provincial manager Farai Kupfavira commended Ikwelo for placing Midlands province on the map.
“We are proud of what Ikwelo has done by officially launching the first ever association that seeks to uplift all artists in the province. In the province we are at the core hence it is our advantage if we get such platforms which then strive to promote us. Ikwelo is going to work with all sectors registered or licensed with NAC. Unity and determination are key pillars for the arts industry.
“Women empowerment is one of the key drivers which the association seeks to promote, access to facilities such as community halls, theatres, music training centers like Midlands Academy of Music. One can also get mentorship and or capacitation among other artistic related things. The association is driven by you as artists,” said Kupfavira.
Meanwhile, Gweru Itel Mobile Phone Dealer branch manager Bertha Mangunda said the company is willing to work with artists across the province as the company recently endorsed one of Midlands’ best artist Xiddo Chikandamina as its brand ambassador.
The expo held under the theme ‘Restoring the pride of Midlands province through culture and creative industry participation’ was attended by various stakeholders including the business community.
Lately Zimbabwe has seen a surge in the number of well-known artists battling severe effects of drugs with most of them (in youthful ages) struggling with the side effects of such drugs like methamphetamine, dagga (mbanje), glue and broncleer, that top the list of the abused substances.
Government has since launched a National Drug Abuse Fund as part of efforts to combat drugs uptake. The fund, which is provided for in this year’s budget will help establish rehabilitation centers for drug addicts as well as combating drug and substance abuse across provinces.
Despite a surge in substance abuse, most social ills among youths are a result of lack of adequate recreational facilities in communities that houses hands-on activities for young people among other initiatives.
Recent findings however revealed that girls and young women have joined the wagon of consuming methamphetamime (mutoriro) more than boys and men in Gweru, with the 2021 Drugs and Narcotics annual report highlighting that the increase in the abuse of drugs among young people is being fuelled by the harsh economic atmosphere.
