…Minister re-lives COVID-19 positive days
Thelma Wandayi
GWERU: It emerged during the Covid-19 athletes and artists relief fund awareness campaign that some of the legislative and policy frameworks obtaining in the country are defective, thereby depriving some of the players from reaching their full potential.
Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry highlighted that government is seized with the matter.
“I’m glad that you chose people from various subsectors to represent you at this important gathering. On the legislative side, I can safely say we are doing all we can in trying to protect your hard work.
“We are currently crafting the arts bill which is meant to protect artists from losing out on the proceeds of their art works. We have realised that we are losing a lot as a country as sculptors’ raw materials are leaving the country without much regulation and this is being addressed,” Coventry said.
“We need creative culture to contribute significantly towards the GDP. On the sports side we are also crafting two bills to address some issues in that area. One of the bill is the sport and integrity bill to address issues of gender and other ills in sport,” she added.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Larry Mavhima, who is now a COVID-19 ambassador after surviving the disease, took time to share his experience, urging people to observe World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
“As a COVID 19 survivor, I wish to acknowledge that this disease is real. It will be a de-service for me not to tell you about my experiences. I had my difficult 21 days fighting this disease.
“Ladies and gentlemen, get it from me; we need to shun the idea of dropping face masks as if they are chains on our chins. Let’s maintain social distance. Let’s live healthy and together we can fight this pandemic,” he said.
A total of 470 artists and 520 athletes from the Midlands province have applied to benefit under the 20 million Zimbabwe dollar relief fund meant to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
However, only 129 artists and 270 athletes are set to benefit, while others failed to meet the requirements.
