Chiredzi cancels culture week over COVID-19 scare

By The Southern Eye | Jun. 2, 2021

ORGANISERS of Culture Week in Chiredzi District had to cancel the event that was scheduled for last Friday at Chitsanga Hall at the eleventh hour after a spike in COVID-19 cases in the province.

BY GARIKAI MAFIRAKUREVA

ORGANISERS of Culture Week in Chiredzi District had to cancel the event that was scheduled for last Friday at Chitsanga Hall at the eleventh hour after a spike in COVID-19 cases in the province.

This was after 96 students at Bondolfi Teacher’s College were last week infected by the coronavirus which forced authorities to cordon off the area and all roads leading to the college.

The official launch was scheduled to start with a virtual gala, fundraising dinner and closing ceremony expected to follow up over the weekend.

The day was also earmarked for the official handover of a certificate to the newly formed Lowveld Arts and Culture Association (LACA) from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.

The cancelation of the event was however, after Zanu PF had held it’s inter district meeting that attracted more than 200 delegates at the same venue a few days ago.

This has been a huge disappointment to scores of local artists who had prepared to showcase their creativity and other displays at the event.

Organisers of the event, mainly youths who contribute a big number in the industry, cried foul over the cancellation of the event arguing that politics is at play.

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The youths also complained that some social events like soccer are underway in Zvishavane and Harare, yet their event was cancelled on the pretext of a spike in COVID -19.

Lowveld Arts and Culture Association (LACA) which was co-hosting the event with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture said they have decided to go on with part of the event by hosting a virtual gala, strictly observing COVID -19 regulations.

LACA chairperson Costain Shamu said; “Despite the cancellation of the main event, the virtual gala is going on as planned since it does not violate covid-19 regulations. We will record one artist at a time, to ensure no gathering.”