…..as Zanu PF appoints Sandra Ndebele
ARTISTES are avenues for societies to express themselves and a window into realities of their communities and the country. Artistes are known to advocate for justice within their communities.
Artistes are always in conversation with the world they live in, reflecting it, reacting to it and shaping it. What a prominent artiste does or gets involved in has a likelihood of influencing their communities.
Zimbabwe, currently, is a politically polarised country. The divisions within the country are so gross and toxic that barely a day passes by without one experiencing it. It is true that the country is also experiencing complex political, economic and social problems such as class inequality, access to health care, quality education, environmental tribalism, corruption, nepotism and the list is endless. This is the political reality of most Zimbabweans.
Zimbabwe is struggling to shake off its negative narrative and image that it inherited from the Robert Mugabe era. The current regime is haunted by the ghosts of the past at the same time the current office holders are not helping the situation as most of them are found wanting in various areas. One area that the current leadership has tried to make amends with, with little progress is the Arts sector.
The President, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has attended a number of Arts Indabas and events in an attempt to recognise the relevance of the sector in his development agenda. It is true that the President is aware of the power of the arts in telling the narrative of the country and in shaping the future. Artistes are known to give a voice to a movement.
The latest big move in politics and arts is the appointment of Sandra Ndebele as Bulawayo’s representative for Young Women in Economic Development for Zanu PF. The appointment has been met with mixed feelings.
Whatever the case, this appointment has a telling effect. First and foremost it confirms the view that artistes are not homogenous when it comes to political ideas and inclinations. With that in mind, Sandra’s association with Zanu PF must be respected because it is her choice.
It must also be remembered that Sandra had it within herself to accept or turn down the appointment. She accepted because she is willing to be part of that political process. Her appointment is because of her outstanding prospects in the Zimbabwe upper class milieu, and it will bring her into close contact with political leaders of the country in the near future. It is at that moment that the outcomes of her appointment will start showing.
The Second Republic has shown its desire to costume to costume willing artistes in its regalia because it knows the importance of embracing star power. Star power amounts to much when it comes to persuasions. It is not wrong to see politicians constrained by their desire for majority support and popular assistance putting artistes under their wings. It is because they know the power of the artistes and their artistry. Yes, there is need to be skeptical sometimes but it is good to remember that some of these moves are not always reactionary and sinister.
Artistes are influencers and can be enlisted as agents, brokers and intermediaries in the current political game. It is not new in Zimbabwe to have artistes doubling as cultural and political agents, Hollywood stars have been found doing that since Hollywood was created. Time for fence seating for artistes is over. As agents who provide urgent points of reflection, artists should know that their role is to actively participate in the political processes of this country and be part of the future they envisage. Fence sitting will not bring results.
