By Kwacha Mahachi
Midlands Artists who performed at the Miners Forum for Economic Development (Miners for ED) interface meeting have bemoaned that they are yet to be paid for their services as was agreed.
The colorful event which was graced by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa was held end of June2023 where he met with around 6,000 artisanal miners at a convention center in Gweru.
About six arts groups including popular award winning groups Mbada Dance group and High Voltage Poets junior team showcased at the event after Ministry of Youth, Sport Arts and Recreation negotiated payments for the services on their behalf. All the groups are alleged to have been owed US$450 in total.
Contacted for comment, a number of artists who spoke to this publication declined to be identified for obvious reasons said they have been waiting for their monies since 24 June.
“Oooh, yes I had forgotten about the money. Actually we were invited to perform at the event and promised to be paid soon after the event. They keep on promising that we will get the money as soon as Miners for ED release funds. We do not expect the organization to take some ages to pay less that US$100,” he said.
Another artist who remained anonymous said the Ministry of Youth, Sport Arts and Recreaation and Miners for ED had to understand that they were in business.
“Miners for ED and our arts ministry need ɓ8to pay us our money because we are struggling. We believe that it has to uplift us, not kill us. These young artist needs to make a living through arts and they are in need of the money,” she said.
In a telephone interview, Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association communications Manager, Dumisani Ndlovu who had some of their affiliates participating at the event said “People have to understand that we are not just entertaining them but we are in business.
“The failure to pay artists such small amount of money is a true reflection on how artists are taken for granted and also is the main reason why most Zimbabwean artists remain poor”.
Ndlovu however was quick to refer some questions to the Provincial Arts Officer with the Ministry of Youth Sport, Arts and Recreation, Mr Reward Shockson who was not reachable for a comment.
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