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Minister Andrew Langa (left) meets the Chinese head of delegation Mr Feng Wang at his offices in Harare yesterday

Problem Masau Arts Correspondent
Government has secured land to build a Culture Centre valued at US$1 million with the assistance of China, a Cabinet minister has said.
Speaking after meeting a Chinese delegation in the country to explore ways of enhancing the local arts sector at his offices in Harare yesterday, Minister of Arts, Sport and Culture Andrew Langa said Government and China were in discussions concerning the deal.

“We discussed among other things the intricate details of how China will help to build the Culture Centre. They also want to engage two arts institutions in the country where they will render their help,” he said.

The Chinese delegation, headed by Deputy Director of Cultural Technology in the Ministry of Culture Mr Wang Feng, is also scheduled to engage the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe College of Music with the aim of helping the two institutions.
Minister Langa said Government takes the arts industry seriously as it has the capacity to create employment.

“The arts industry is an important sector because it can create employment. We have artistes like Oliver Mtukudzi, Sandra Ndebele and Jeys Marabini who are fully employed in the industry. We want more people to be employed so we need assistance,” he said.
He also appealed to China to assist existing culture centres in the country.

“We have Amakhosi Theatre in Bulawayo and other centres that are facing financial problems. We need your assistance,” he said.
He said that Government would be sending teachers to China to train in arts education.

“We have tertiary institutions like Midlands State University, Lupane University and Great Zimbabwe University that teach arts at an advanced level.

“However, we do not have the subject at primary education so we want teachers to appreciate the role of the subject,” he said.
Mr Feng said his government was committed to assist Zimbabwe as it was a long time friend.

“Our countries have a long standing relationship that dates back to the time of the liberation struggle. We will be in the country to find ways to help NACZ and Zimbabwe College of Music,” he said.