By Dumisani Ndlovu
Abigirl Sivanda, a renowned arts administrator, cultural midwife, heroine and a darling to Midlands artists, left an landmark on Zimbabwe’s arts and culture landscape. Though she may be gone, her legacy continues to inspire and nurture new generations of artists.
The decorated aide-de-camp arts administrator who was a graduate with distinctions in teaching from Hillside Teacher’s College and University of Zimbabwe practice fit well in shoes of the arts development and promotions prowess of the former NACZ Midlands Provincial Manager, the late Thandekile Zozi. Perhaps her background as Nyadire Teachers’ college Lecture in Art History, aesthetics , Arts Appreciation , Painting , Ceramics and Sculpture in the main subject Art and Professional Study areas could have harnessed and shaped her professionalism to match that of once darling of the past generation of artists.
After realising the community of people with disabilities is uniquely affected in institutional set up, particularly special needs primary school children, the selfless Abie as Sivanda was affectionately known, came up with a concept which she approach the Hodzeko Arts and Culture Associations directorate to implement after getting sponsorship from MashMo Land Investment Pvt Ltd company between 2018 and 2019 as she had realised this population was increasingly appearing on lists of “vulnerable” among many other groups in the social justice framework. After the materialisation of the concept and the fruition of the project Sivanda handed over the concept without self-beneficial conditions and was never part of its again.
All Abbie wanted was to support grassroots advocacy for more inclusive laws, policies, and programs and grants support growth of a broader and more diverse disability movement to advance the CRPD and the SDGs at local levels. That was Sivanda for you, a rare arts administrative and promotions breed.
Sivanda’s impressive career spanned multiple roles, she was an accomplished artist, arts and culture lecturer, and a rare breed of dedicated arts administrator. However, her true impact lies in her selfless dedication to talent development and art production. Through the arts and culture network and foundation she established, countless grassroots artists received mentorship and support in music, dance, theatre, and arts management.
Through her network and foundation, countless grassroots artists received mentorship and support. Her guidance taught Honour Muvango, NACZ Midlands Arts Promotions officer, the ins and outs of arts programming. “She taught me everything I know,” Muvango said. “I owe my professional growth to her guidance.”
Her illustrious nurturing includes leaders of Dorset Performing Arts, Perfect Works, Zvapfuka Performing Arts, High Voltage Poets as well as individual artists, like Evidence Siziva, Bantuman and many more. Sivanda’s influence extended far beyond her own achievements, fostering a vibrant community of creatives who continue to thrive today.
In a telephone interview South Africa based former Dorset Performing Arts treasurer, Thulani Sivanda had this to say “The death of Sivanda in 2017 was like watching a whole library of Zimbabwe’s arts and culture incubation hub burning down and yet we still find time and space to celebrate this giant from Hama area of Chirumhanzu in the Midlands Province.
Sivanda’s unwavering commitment to the arts and her unshakeable integrity earned her a reputation as an incorruptible cultural midwife. Her philoprogenitive spirit and tireless efforts to nurture talent have left a lasting legacy, ensuring her memory continues to inspire and empower future generations of artists and arts administrators.
Though she may be gone, Abigirl Sivanda’s impact on Zimbabwe’s arts and culture will never be forgotten. Her legacy serves as a beacon, guiding and motivating others to follow in her footsteps and continue her vital work.
Gospel musician Tinomuda Chihora fondly remembers Abigirl Sivanda, describing her as truly irreplaceable. Chihora praises Sivanda’s professionalism, passion for her work and her selfless nature, which he said compelled her to assist artists without expecting anything in return. Notably, Chihora highlights Sivanda’s unwavering integrity, characterizing her as ‘incorruptible’ – suggesting that while Sivanda may have had flaws, her commitment to fairness and honesty remained unshakeable.
Former Amakhosi Theatre Productions National Programs Midlands Coordinator, Collen Sibanda echoed similar sentiments describing Sivanda, as a unique and matchless arts administrator in the industry. He tenderly recalls Sivanda’s passion for her work, which drove her to support and uplift both grassroots and seasoned artists without seeking personal gain.
Founder of Shurugwi Khayelihle Rural Library, Siphosami Ndlovu also showered praise to the late Abigirl Sivanda’s selfless dedication to supporting artists.
“In this respect allow me to share my personal anecdote, recalling a cultural commemoration event held at Dombwe in Shurugwi in 2013, where Sivanda went above and beyond to assist struggling artists. Notably, she used her own money to transport desperate artists, setting a remarkable example of her commitment to helping others, “he said emphasizing that such actions were unprecedented, as most administrators would not go to such lengths to support artists in need.
“In a nutshell Sivanda was a rare breed of arts administrators, a good leader who led others to lead themselves,” he said.
Mavis Koslek, Director of Image Modelling consultancy, also paid tribute to the late Abigail Sivanda, describing her as a “true and genuine arts person” who was instrumental in supporting artists in their work. Koslek praised Abigail’s hands-on approach, saying she “didn’t just sit in an office” but instead came out into the field to visit artistic events and offer valuable advice.
“Abigail’s unwavering support for the arts industry was evident in her encouragement of artists to continue working and serving their province by promoting arts and culture. She played a vital role in mentoring many artists and conducted numerous workshops, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire, especially among the youth and girl child, “said Koslek.
Koslek credited Abigail with teaching her the importance of doing work that one is passionate about and adding value to the industry. She remembered Abigail’s consistent attendance at artistic events and her encouragement to keep working. Koslek believes Abigail’s contributions to the arts and culture industry should be celebrated and remembered annually, describing her as a “strong pillar of encouragement” in the industry.
Simbarashe Zhuwake, Director of Zvapfuka Arts and Culture Group, fondly remembers Sivanda’s invaluable contributions: Sivanda played a pivotal role in our group’s success, particularly in our journey towards professionalism. Her sage advice and guidance were instrumental in our growth, and we owe our current accomplishments to her unwavering support. Even in the face of adversity, Sivanda’s encouragement and strength helped us persevere. Her legacy will forever be etched in our hearts, and we will continue to build upon the foundations she helped us lay.
