Young Artists in Kadoma Condemn Violence

zimbabwe poets for human rights member performing
On Saturday the 13th of March youth in Kadoma mobilized themselves to speak on the political violence that engulfed the 27 June 2008 sham election. This comes at a time when the President of Zimbabwe Cde R.G Mugabe announced that next year there shall be elections whether a new constitution is in place or not. Therefore, there are fears that if elections are going to be held under the current constitution, there is a high likelihood of the resurfacing of violence any time soon since there are no electoral reforms to facilitate the holding of free and fair elections.
Poets, theatre actors, dancers and musicians based in Kadoma gathered at Rimuka Hall from 1400hrs to express their dislike of political violence through all forms of art. All artists were in the age range of 11 to 30 years.

The event took a forum format where there were performances and later on discussions to interrogate the content of the artistic performances. 10 members of Zimbabwe Poets for Human Rights (ZPHR) took to the stage denouncing the 2008 election violence followed by theatre performances by Budiriro Cultural Club that vividly exposed the events leading to the 2008 election violence. The discussion forum saw young people agreeing not to be used by politicians in the next elections which Mugabe pronounced that they will be held next year.
The event was organized by Ziyon which is a network of more than 25 youth organizations spread through out the country. Present at the event was the Ziyon Organising Secretary who said, “The 2008 elections left a trail of suffering and mourning and hence there need to be a comprehensive process of national healing for the country to realize lasting peace. These artistic events for peace are being led by ZPHR which is one of the founding members of the network. ZPHR’s co-founder and leading poet Robson Isaac ShoesLambada was also present and assured the

the nation that they shall be going to Masvingo, Bulawayo and Mutare with these events.