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Deputy Minister Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga

Entertainment Reporter
Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga has applauded the Basket Showcase II at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) describing it as a major show that raises the country’s profile high artistically.

Kanengoni-Malinga said this recently while officially opening the exhibition that drew a cosmopolitan crowd from all walks of life.

“This exhibition is an opportunity to reiterate our willingness as the Government to continue working with the diplomatic community, multilateral agencies and other stakeholders in the private sector to strengthen vulnerable communities’ resilience.

“It offers us a platform to celebrate the diversity and beauty of the material culture of our communities which has survived against all odds since time immemorial,” she said.

She said the show raises the profile of the country’s skilled basket weavers in our communities and links them to the world of art.

“Through the creation of market linkages for their products, European Union, national institutions for culture, partners and the NGZ are playing a significant role in eradicating hunger and poverty, proving food security and improving livelihoods,” said Kanengoni-Malinga.

Speaking at the same event, new European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Philippe van Damme said he was thrilled by the skilful handwork in the country.

“In the couple of weeks I have been in Zimbabwe, I already had the chance to admire a lot of creative talent, be it in the theatre, painting, music, dancing . . . and this is reassuring for the future of this country,” he said.

Van Damme said the EU firmly believes that culture and access to culture is crucial for social and human development.

“Culture contributes to identity building and self-esteem, culture fosters social cohesion and it helps to promote political participation and ownership,” he said.

NGZ director Doreen Sibanda said they were very excited to hold the Basket Showcase II as a follow-up to the successful first edition.

The show is co-curated by the gallery’s curator, Raphel Chikwukwa, and Christine Eyene and closes on December 15.