ARTISTES submitted their names to the National Arts Council
of Zimbabwe (NACZ) on Tuesday stating how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected
their incomes to pave way for them to get a Government bailout.
Since Government has put in place stringent measures such
as a 21-day lockdown, banning of shows and public gatherings in the country in
a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, artistes are now out of business.
As part of moves to cushion small and informal businesses,
the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises
Development issued a statement last week saying they were gathering information
regarding the impact of Covid-19 on medium and small enterprises, with a view
to coming up with recommendations for support for SMEs affected by the
shutdown.
Following this, NACZ is compiling a database through their
provincial offices, of artistes whose operations have been affected by the
lockdown, for consideration for Government grants.
Charity Nyathi, NACZ Bulawayo director said the response
they got from artistes in Bulawayo was overwhelming.
“The artistes responded overwhelmingly and we’re compiling
the list to send it to head office. Thereafter, we’ll wait to hear from them on
what to do,” said Nyathi.
In Matabeleland South, Bolamba Arts Ensemble director
Mthabisi Dube said this help could not have come at a better time as they are
in desperate need of cushioning.
“We hope the Government will intervene and assist the needy
in this trying time. We as artists are also part of the most affected people as
we survive on hand to mouth because with no shows or any form of events,
there’s no work for us. So automatically this means no money for us to feed our
families,” said Dube.
Last month, artistes met at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe
in Bulawayo to deliberate on their Covid-19 concerns. As part of the concerns
and solutions, the collective said due to the manner in which Covid-19 has
disrupted their livelihoods, they requested that Government intervenes with
safety nets.
“This is an urgent call to Government to mobilise
financial, health or other critical resources that can provide a support
package for artistes and cultural professionals in consideration of their right
to health and the subsequent realisation of their social protection which is an
absolute imperative,” highlighted the collective.
Some governments worldwide are also coming up with rescue
packages for artistes.
In Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta this past weekend
directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage in his country to set
aside some money to cushion local artistes from the effects of the coronavirus
pandemic. Herald
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