Debra Matabvu-Herald Reporter
Zimbabweans should reclaim control of their national narrative and authentically tell the country’s historical and socio-economic story, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has said.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa (ZIFTESSA) graduation ceremony in Harare yesterday, Dr Muswere emphasised that telling the country’s story from its people’s perspectives would strengthen national identity, ensure digital and media sovereignty, and help revive the local film industry.
Working with private partners, the Government is mobilising resources for the Zimbabwe Film School and supporting the establishment of a Content Creators Association to promote heritage-based broadcasting and production in line with Vision 2030.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, has put in place a number of policies and strategies to support and revive the film industry,” he said.
“And why is it important for us as a people to tell our own story from a Zimbabwean and an African perspective? There is originality, there is ownership, there is digital and media sovereignty, and there is a revival of an industry with a lot of potential. The amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act and the Freedom of Information Act are coming up with strategies to revive and improve the existing infrastructure.”
Dr Muswere noted that there is resource mobilisation towards the Zimbabwe Film School and the creation of the Content Creators Association, working alongside the Government to create a platform for developing heritage-based broadcasting and filming in terms of the Vision 2030 strategy.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Film and Television School of Southern Africa (ZIFTESSA) graduation ceremony in Harare yesterday, Dr Muswere emphasised that telling the country’s story from its people’s perspectives would strengthen national identity, ensure digital and media sovereignty, and help revive the local film industry.
He also challenged graduates to document the ongoing transformation across all sectors of the economy, stating that the Government is implementing strategies that emphasise heritage-based broadcasting to showcase Zimbabwe’s progress and preserve its cultural legacy.
“We have worked on the strategy at an inter-ministerial level regarding how best we can tap into our local talent and emphasise heritage-based broadcasting services,” he added.
“But as we pursue this under Vision 2030 in the Second Republic, it is a choice—a decision for each and every Zimbabwean, particularly the graduates. As the economic revolution takes place, transforming the agricultural sector, the mining sector, and the local governance architecture, what role are you going to play?
“Are you going to contribute positively to the development of your country and the African continent, or are you going to undermine the resilience of the people of Zimbabwe? What role will you play as a filmmaker? Will you continue to wear imperialist lenses that undermine your people’s dignity, or will you contribute towards their freedom?”
Dr Muswere also questioned whether the graduates would contribute to the industrialisation of the country or tarnish its image.
“This is the question that I want you to analyse, anticipate, and reflect upon,” he said.
The skills acquired by the graduates should help grow the economy and raise awareness while informing the nation on various issues, Dr Muswere added. Graduates were urged to develop an entrepreneurial spirit anchored in nation-building.
He also encouraged them to emulate countries such as Nigeria, India, and the US, which have significantly contributed to their economies through film.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation CEO Mr Sugar Chagonda, Zimbabwe Newspapers (1980) Limited acting CEO Mr William Chikoto, and other media industry stakeholders.
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