SPORTS minister Elvis Nkandu says the arts sector has had challenges of dilapidated and inadequate infrastructure which have deprived it of great opportunities in showcasing their talents as they tell their Zambian stories both locally and internationally.
Nkandu’s remarks come in the wake of donations towards the rehabilitation of the arts gallery by Sarago Motors Limited and Ruthfield Engineering and Supplies Limite.
In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Fumba Chama, Nkandu said stakeholders in the business sector had demonstrated extraordinary commitment in joining hands with the government through his ministry to rehabilitate arts facilities such as the Chingola Arts Theatre in order to provide a safe and viable space that could promote arts innovation and creativity and ultimately improve quality of life.
He said the handing over ceremony of the financial donations towards infrastructure to his ministry was a landmark achievement in collaborations and partnerships between public and private sectors to provide safe spaces for creatives, hence providing direct jobs to the surrounding communities.
“It is with this realization, on the side of our private sector, who have shown interest to partner with government by rising to the occasion that brings me at this occasion to mention and appreciate the financial contributions of K100,000 and K 30,000 respectively from Sarago Motors Limited and Ruthfield Engineering Limited,” Chama said.
He added that through partnership with entities such as Sarago Motors, Ruthfield Engineering and would-be sponsors and partners, the government stood ready to engage in existing issues affecting people’s lives, traditions, and cultures and how arts could be enhanced from all angles.
“As a government, we understand that the creative industry plays a critical role in wealth-creation opportunities for the country. This is why government is putting all its efforts in creating a conducive environment to catalyse the infrastructure in the sector. Many of you here are aware that my ministry has put in place a draft National Arts Policy whose aim is to develop the art industry and to ensure its growth,” he said.
Nkandu said government is poised to ensure that creatives begin to develop monetarily and add to the national economic growth with tangible results, hence establishment of the policies and legislation to motivate the arts industry to grow both in talent and monetary henceforth contributing to the country’s GDP.
He commended Sarago Motors and Ruthfield Engineering for the partnership.
“I wish you all every success in your efforts as you help in such ways to enhance arts development in the country. It is my singular honour to officially receive these two priceless donations from the two institutions,” said Nkandu.
And Ruthfield Engineering operations director Magama Mudemba reaffirmed his company’s commitment to partnering with the government in projects that border on youth activities.
He said as a youth owned company, Ruthfield Engineering was excited to partner with the government to rehabilitate arts facilities which are mainly used by young people.
“We feel this is a very important gesture to contribute to art … it is a very serious component to our welfare in society and art is one activity that creates employment everywhere. So it’s from that background that we thought we should seize this moment and contribute to the industry through this donation of rehabilitating the gallery,” said Mudemba.
Meanwhile, Sarago Motors Chief Operating Officer Luonde Kyanamina said the art and culture sector can create jobs if well harnessed.
She said the donation towards the rehabilitation of the arts gallery had been inspired by the government’s emphasis on the promotion of arts and culture.
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