BY STAFF REPORTER 

Media and arts experts have called upon Civic Society Organizations (CSOs) to strengthen colloborations with artists and journalists in packaging development information for effective advocacy for improved citizens livelihood and open societies.

Speaking at the African Philanthropy Network APN Assembly running from the 4th – 8th of November in Victoria Falls, the arts and media experts bemoaned how the various sects have been worked in silos to the detriment of civic engagement and citizens participation in development work.

The APN Assembly has brought together over 200 delegates drawn from at least 20 countries as a platform to explore innovative Pan-African ideas that address the economic inequalities, social injustices and environmental concerns that confront the continent.

APN researcher and Tanzanian based journalist Karen Chalamilla said that CSOs, media practitioners and artists need to see value in each other.

“The crux of the matter is that CSOs, media and artists need to see value in each other’s work. These three parties share a lot in common in the work that they do in inspiring change,” said Chalamilla.

“Artists have the capacity to reach wider audiences that CSOs cannot ordinarily reach while the media have the necessary skills to harness information and use various mediums to prompt actions that bring about change.”

Prominent Zimbabwean artist Chirikure Chirikure said that there’s scope for artists and CSOs to forge partnerships that amplify developmental messages.

“Artists need to be equipped to understand the work of CSOs beyond just being commissioned to do one or two songs or to produce artistic works that are not sustainable,” he said.

“Philanthropy institutions need to include the media and artists in the formulation of their programs such that art practitioners can mainstream development work as part of their craft.”

Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) Programs Manager Nigel Nyamutumbu said that the synergies between artists, CSOs and the media must consider the operating environment for journalists and advocacy for strengthening the media for accountability has to be amplified.

“For the media to effectively play its role of holding power accountable, informing society and as a conduit for the enjoyment of free expression, stakeholders in the civic society and artists need to be mobilized to advocate for an improved policy environment for the media,” said Nyamutumbu.

“The media on the other hand must appreciate the concerns of CSOs and capacitated to articulate developmental issues and to amplify the work of artists.”

The APN is running under the theme “Collective freedom from collective struggle” and has among the dignatries top government officials including Arts, Sports and Culture Secretary Nicholas Moyo, veteran film director and producer Daves Guzha and prominent civic society activist Brian Kagoro.

BY STAFF REPORTER 

Civic society organizations (CSOs) need enabling policies to thrive and effectively partner government for development and colloborations on initiatives that address Africa’s pressing needs, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts, Sports and Culture Nicholas Moyo has said.

Moyo made these remarks while officially opening the African Philanthropy Network (APN) Assembly in Victoria Falls. The APN Assembly, which brings together over two hundred African philanthropy and grant making organizations from over twenty (20) countries is running from the 4th to the 8th of November in the resort town.

“This Assembly provides us with a platform to explore innovative ideas and solutions that work best for our people – as Africans,” said Moyo.

“Our challenges – be they economic inequalities, social injustices, or environmental concerns are interconnected. We must work together to confront these issues head-on, prioritizing the most vulnerable among us.”

“In achieving this, you require enabling policies and operating environments that the African governments are committed to provide through the implementation of the Agenda 263,” he said.

Moyo’s remarks come at a time that the Zimbabwe’s parliament has just passed amendments to the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Act setting out a new regulatory framework for CSOs in Zimbabwe, a concern raised by Tendai Murisa the Executive Director of Sivio Institute, one of the Assembly’s organizers.

“Some organizations working within the civic space are facing closure should the Bill become law. It is our hope that the new law will not affect philanthropy work in Zimbabwe as these organizations merely compliment the government’s development agenda,” he said.

The Executive Director of APN Stigma Tenga said the Assembly’s objectives are to examine the relationship between philanthropy policy and practice.

“Our deliberations will reflect on African philanthropy’s potential to drive systemic change, and examine how actors could work together to celebrate and own indigenous practices as distinctly African and thus relevant to reshaping future philanthropy, as well as reimagine practices for contemporary application,” she said.

The 2024 APN Assembly is running under the theme collective freedom from collective struggles.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In the parched lands of Matebeleland North province, a dire situation is unfolding. Villagers in Nkayi, Lupane and Hwange report that cattle are dying in staggering numbers, especially those that have recently given birth.

“The situation is terrible,” says Jane Ndlovu, a local farmer Simbo village.

Calf born alive, but immediately dies as the mother fails to feed

“Cows are dying after giving birth, and even the newborns are not surviving. It’s heartbreaking to see. We’re facing a catastrophic situation here. Our cattle are dying left and right, especially the ones that have just given birth. It’s like they’re being born just to die. And it’s not just the cattle, our donkeys are also perishing in large numbers. We’re talking about our livelihoods here, our source of income. Without our animals, we’re doomed.”

Ndlovu’s neighbor, Singaphi Sibanda, echoes her concerns.

“The situation is dire. We’re struggling to find food and water for our animals. The grazing lands are dry and barren, and the heat is unbearable. Our animals are suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle. We’re talking about our very survival. There’s no food, no water, no nothing. Our children are going to bed hungry every night. We’re forced to walk long distances just to find a drop of water. And when we do, it’s often contaminated. We’re living in a nightmare.”

Jambezi resident Lenziwe Moyo adds, “The drought is relentless. We’ve never seen it this bad. Our animals are suffering, and we’re struggling to find food and water. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle.”

Sub-calf ravaged by the drought

As the drought worsens, concerns grow about the long-term impact on the community.

“This drought is a disaster, a complete and utter disaster,” says Lupane village head Phios Ncube, a local leader.

“We need help, and we need it now. Our people are suffering, our animals are dying. We can’t just sit back and watch as our community is decimated.”

Background:

The current drought in Matebeleland North province and the country at large is driven by the El Nino phenomenon, which has brought extreme weather conditions to the region.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country has experienced a 70% decline in maize production, and livestock deaths have surged.

The government has declared a state of emergency and launched the “Drought Relief Programme” to provide assistance to affected communities.

International organizations, such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, are also providing support, but it is not reaching to everyone.

Research by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) shows that droughts in southern Africa have increased in frequency and severity over the past century, leading to significant livestock losses and food insecurity.