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Nyore Madzianike Senior Arts Reporter

HAPAGUTI “Hapaz” Mapimhidze has resigned as Dancers’ Association of Zimbabwe (DAZ) president after 14 years at the helm of the organisation.

Hapaz announced his resignation during DAZ’s 15th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday night at City Sports Bar in Harare.

Syndicate Girls leader Precious “Wasu” Makwame takes over as the interim president with Moses Mohadi, Tawanda Nyikadzanzwa, Gift Nyamazana and dancer Zoey being the remaining executive members.

“I decided to step down to pave way for others with fresh ideas to run the organisation. There is need for fresh brains to run DAZ. I had a lot on my hands and there was a lot of pressure from home to surrender the baton and pursue other avenues,” he said.

Hapaz said he was supposed to officially resign from the post in February next year.

“DAZ holds its annual awards giving ceremony which is scheduled for February next year. It was when I was supposed to hand in my resignation, but I realised that it was too far considering things that I need to do in pursuit of my new business venture,” he said.

Hapaz said he was available to give assistance to DAZ whenever the need arose.

“I am sure there is a suggestion that elections be held to choose the next president. The executive is yet to agree on the modalities, but I am sure that is the route they will take when selecting a new leader,” he said.

DAZ has 45 groups registered with it.

In her acceptance speech, Wasu thanked Hapaz for the contributions he made to DAZ and hoped the two would keep working together in future.

“He helped many people including myself. No dance group can claim it did not work with him. We thank him for the good work he did for us all,” she said.