Arts and Entertainment Reporter
Kwekwe artist Telson Migi has called on Kwekwe City Council to consider introducing an arts, sports and culture levy to help rehabilitate recreational facilities and create opportunities for young people.
Migi proposed a 20-cent levy per household, which he said could be included in residents’ council bills, with the proceeds directed towards the rehabilitation and development of recreational facilities.
“There are different levies paid by residents. I propose that there be included an arts, sports and culture levy, say at $0.20 per household,” Migi said.
He suggested that part of the funds could be used to rehabilitate the Mbizo Youth Centre and transform it into a modern arts and culture facility, while also supporting the Kwekwe Sports, Arts and Culture Festival.
Migi said several council-owned recreational facilities in the city had the potential to support sporting and cultural activities if they were refurbished.
“We want to see all the council recreational facilities coming back to life. In Mbizo, we have a venue, Mbizo Youth Centre, named after youths, a venue that has almost all the necessary grounds and halls that only need refurbishment and upgrading,” he said.
He also called for the modernisation of Kwekwe Theatre in the central business district and Kwekwe Swimming Pool.
Migi said improved swimming facilities could provide children with opportunities to learn swimming and water-safety skills, particularly following the recent Lake Kariba ferry disaster.
He proposed the construction of an additional swimming pool at Mbizo Youth Centre and urged council to consider reviving recreational halls across the city.
“I believe we have council halls around most of our Kwekwe locations. Let’s revive them and modernise them,” he said.
Beyond recreation, Migi said arts and culture centres could provide young people with constructive activities and potentially contribute to efforts to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.
He said such centres could also create opportunities for formal and informal employment in the creative and sporting sectors.
Migi acknowledged that residents were already facing a number of levies and said council would need to review existing charges before introducing any new levy.
“I understand already the ordinary citizen is heavily burdened currently by the levies, hence I propose a deeper look into the other levies for either total removal or a reduction in figures, then allow room for introduction of an arts levy,” he said.
He said the proposal should be driven by residents and the wider community rather than politicians.
“It is the community’s responsibility to look into matters that affect our youths. For in every household comes out a youth member that is either in need of a job and/or a skill,” Migi said.
“Kwekwe is our home. Kwekwe is our community. We, the residents, are the sole owners of our city. We want to give in from our hard-earned monies and support in the development of our community.”
Migi’s proposal is a call for consideration by council and residents and its implementation would require consultation and approval through the appropriate local government processes.
“This move must not come from politicians but from us, the general and proud residents of Kwekwe,” he said.
