Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-04-01 01:00:00
Is Auxillia Mnangagwa An Angel?
By A Correspondent
In an emotional tribute at the funeral of the esteemed Zimbabwean actress Stella January, who recently passed away from cancer at 55, iconic playwright and actor Aaron Chiundura Moyo offered high praise for First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa’s visionary contributions to the arts. The gathering, which brought together key figures from Zimbabwe’s entertainment scene, highlighted the First Lady’s profound impact and her unexpected role in fostering cultural expression and addressing social issues through the arts.
Moyo shared his astonishment and admiration for Dr. Mnangagwa’s direct involvement in the creation of ‘Rujeko,’ a theatrical project aimed at empowering young girls and addressing societal challenges. He revealed how Dr. Mnangagwa personally reached out to him to collaborate on this initiative, emphasizing her humility and her dedication to the arts.
“She is not just a First Lady but an artiste in the real sense,” Moyo remarked, underlining the First Lady’s earnest engagement with the project and her explicit directive to keep the play apolitical, focusing instead on universal themes of growth and empowerment. The First Lady’s role went beyond mere patronage; she was actively involved in conceptualizing the play and even in the selection of its cast, showcasing her dedication to nurturing talent and her insightful understanding of the arts as a tool for social commentary.
Moyo highlighted how Dr. Mnangagwa’s endorsement and selection of Stella January for the play exemplified her appreciation and support for local artists.
The event was a testament to Dr. Mnangagwa’s commitment to promoting and supporting the arts in Zimbabwe. Her involvement in ‘Rujeko’ not only demonstrated her passion for empowering the younger generation but also highlighted her ability to recognize and nurture talent within the local artistic community.
The First Lady’s engagement with the arts reflects a broader trend in which political figures are increasingly recognizing the importance of culture and creativity in addressing social issues and fostering national development. By leveraging the arts as a platform for dialogue and empowerment, Dr. Mnangagwa is setting a powerful example for other leaders in the region.
In a time when the arts are often marginalized or overlooked in favor of more traditional forms of development, Dr. Mnangagwa’s support for projects like ‘Rujeko’ sends a powerful message about the value of creativity and cultural expression in society. It underscores the potential of the arts to shape narratives, challenge norms, and inspire change.
As the legacy of Stella January lives on through projects like ‘Rujeko,’ it is clear that her impact on Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape will endure. And with the support of visionary leaders like Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, the arts in Zimbabwe are poised to flourish and continue to be a driving force for positive change in the years to come.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
