Elinciya Witman
Gweru-based artists have appealed to local authorities and arts regulatory bodies to consider lowering registration fees, arguing that the current costs are unaffordable for many emerging creatives during a consultative meeting at American Corner on November 21, 2025, with full representation from the City of Gweru, the National Arts Council, the Censorship and Control Board, and various stakeholders.
Artists argued that the current system discourages formalization, with high tariffs pushing many away from registering their work.
Dumisani Ndlovu, an artist and journalist, called for a streamlined approach, which he described as a “one-stop shop” for regulation.
“There is a way you are doing things that makes people run away from formalization. You are chasing people away with your high tariffs. Lowering them would attract more people rather than overcharging and ending up with no one coming.”
City of Gweru representative Jessica Makuyana from the Housing Department highlighted the municipality’s efforts to support the arts, pointing to the construction of the Gweru Theatre, which is available free of charge to registered artists with Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
She noted that the council had already reduced fees in the upcoming budget.
“The City of Gweru has the Gweru Theatre, where artists with MOUs can perform free of charge, and it shows our support towards art.”
Despite this reduction, many artists insisted that the fees remain unaffordable.
The meeting provided a platform for artists to engage directly with stakeholders who regulate their work.
While fees were the central concern, other issues were also raised.
Aron Chiundura Moyo, the organizer of the consultative meeting, explained that the event was designed to bring together ordinary workers from organizations rather than senior officials, ensuring that artists could express their grievances without political interference.
“We invited the middlemen in organizations who work with artists every day, so that they could engage directly. If we had invited ministers, they would have been rushing, which would have hindered the actual purpose of this gathering.”
Tinomutenda Chihora, a gospel musician and music teacher, urged the Censorship and Control Board, stating that their board is not functioning well, as nudity is widespread in the media.
“Why is it that in the media we see nudity, especially in the music industry? You need to update your policies to address issues. The music industry is flooded with people who use vulgar language in their lyrics, and sometimes you even hear it being played on the radio.”
The meeting ended with a strong call from artists for authorities to lower fees and create a more accessible system that encourages formalization rather than deterring it.
