Crisis Coalition Convenes Community Theatre Forum in Zengeza
Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 July 2012 08:15 Written by Administrator Monday, 09 July 2012 15:04
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition convened a community theatre forum in Zengeza 2 Chitungwiza at Mubaiwa Hotel on Saturday 07 July 2012. The forum attended by 136 people (84 Males and 52 Females) showcased two performances, White Guests by Awake Zimbabwe Trust and Do Something by Savanna Trust. The theatre performances were specifically staged to highlight the interdependences between socio-economic rights and civil and political rights. They also aimed to highlight how the day to day life experiences are affected by politics, as well as to stimulate debate on contentious issues among participants so as to assist the community to proffer local solutions to local challenges.
The contentious issues covered by the two theatre productions include non responsive politicians, the constitution making process, elections, voter registration, corruption, indigenization, economic hardships and unemployment.
Post performance discussions showed that the majority of the citizens are disappointed with their leadership but are clueless as to how to make the leadership accountable to the voter. A participant at the meeting who requested anonymity said it has become clear that politicians only pretend to care about the people during election time where they announce their grand plans and then after elections appear to be busy every other time and eventually become inaccessible to the electorate. As part of his contribution, the participant said the community should elect into office people they can hold accountable and those who have adequate financial resources so as to minimize abuse of power, corruption and blatant looting of resources as was the case with the Chitungwiza Council whose officials are corruptly allocating themselves stands.
Residents of Zengeza, especially the young people highlighted that they are aware that the youth empowerment program is a mere propaganda tool being used by ZANU PF to lure votes. They also noted that youth groups such as the Zimbabwe Empowerment Youth Association (ZEYA) have visited Chitungwiza asking youths to pay a registration fee of $5 for free allocation of stands. It is alleged that ZEYA was never seen in the area again after making promises of stands and capital to start businesses. A participant at the meeting advised that youths should guard against joining such youth groups as they may be used for political violence purposes when it is payback time for the gifts of patronage.
Another issue that emerged was that residents are unhappy with the municipal police conduct of unlawfully raiding of poor vendors trying to earn a decent living at Chikwanha Shopping Centre. Participants raised concerns that inaction in the face of injustice is due to lack of collective actions by the citizenry in rejecting what is unjust and demanding justice. Participants at the forum agreed that by participating in political processes which include voting, citizens can improve service delivery.
Post forum evaluations showed that many participants found the theatre productions to be more educative and entertaining. Themes that the participants understood clearly, included the need to be a registered voter, participation in political processes and the importance of peace in communities. Participants also recommended that in future theatre productions should focus on empowerment of women in politics and efficient use of natural resources.