a) Authoritarian
b) Libertarian
c) Soviet and communist
d) Social responsibility
e) Development theory
f) Democratic Participant theory
In this presentation six press model which among includes authoritarian theory, libertarian, soviet and communist, social responsibility, development and democratic participant theory will be discussed. Clear example that supports the theory will be given. However, various scholars like Siebert and Schramm (1956) argues that the first two theories were initiated for the press and the other two are general. Again development and democratic and participant theory were crafted to cater for the third developing world. Roelfse (1996) and McQuail (1987) asserts that the fifth and sixth theories gives a full description of a new kind of the press-government-public relationship which has in recent years developed in reaction to deficiencies, such as corruption and abuse of power in traditional democratic, free market societies. Key terms like normative authoritarian, libertarian, soviet, development and democracy will be defined within the context of the presentation.
The term normative can be defined as what the media should be like. Oosthuizen (2001) says that societal expectations about media conduct are articulated by the public philosophies of communication. These philosophers were initially dubbed social theories of the press and later became known as “normative media theories”. The theories were the result of, and culminated in the making of policy for the media in different societies, in that they led to a greater or less degree on implicit and explicit control. Oosthuizen (1989:12) on the basis of the particular social structure, and more specifically the political structure, every normative theory maps out a particular role or pattern of control for the media.
Fourie (2001) notes that by normative theory it basically means ideal views from different perspectives and within different conditions about the role of the press in society. In short it means “the press should or could do this or that” Roelofse (1996:48-60) argues that normative theories are thus mainly concerned with the freedom of, or restrictions on the newspaper industry in various situations and how this impacts on the function of the press (media) society
Authoritarian Theory
Authoritarian theory is the oldest of the media theories and originated in the authoritarian climate of the late renaissance, and with the development of the printing press. The good example is the media operation in Yugoslavia during the time of Milosevic. Part of the popular uprising against his rule in October 2000, was to attack media institutions which had no other function but to publicise Milosevic and his government’s propaganda. In an authoritarian society the press was seen as a very powerful tool, and these in power the clergy and politicians used it to convey the information they wanted the public to have. The potentates also controlled the press and reserved the right to license publication and censor content. (Siebert et al 1963) Judging from this observation the emphasis was therefore on the control of the press to ensure the promotion of the interest of those in power. For example Fourie (2001) notes that “ The fascism that is the philosophy and practice of the absolute power of the state and the subservience of the individual found in Hitler’s Germany, Mussolini’s Italy , Franco’s Spain, South Africa’s apartheid regime and in many African such as Zimbabwe is and was rooted in authoritarianism and totalitarianism. This gave much freedom to the rulers, little or no freedom to the ruled, and which defined press freedom as a right vested in the state (Fourie 2001).
Oosthuizen (2002) says that according to authoritarian theory, the media are expected:
a) Not to undermine the vested power and interests of the public
b) To be subordinate to vested power and authority
c) Not to contravene the prevailing moral and political values.
Deviation from the above stated points can lead to censorship, criminal charges being brought against media practitioners or institutes that for example, criticize the authorities’ deviation from policy or violate moral codes. In addition, licensing of the media with specific conditions that must be adhered to. In Zimbabwe from year 2000 to 2008 many journalist who reported negatively about the government’s corruption, ruthless, violation of human right and injustice by top officials were arrested, tortured and incarcerated. Hence although it is a contested terrain to claim that Zimbabwean media used authoritarian theory, the above facts justifies the claim.
Libertarian Theory
This theory is closely linked to the rise of democracy and the political, economic and religious freedom associated with this form of a government that emerged in the late seventieth century (Roelofse 1996:56) People are regarded as rational beings that could make their own decisions, by using information supplied to them by the press. Fourie (2001) suggest that libertarian theory enables those masses to distinguish between the truth and falsehood, and between good and evil. The search for truth is regarded as an inalienable natural right. The United States of America (USA) and Britain have had this fourth estate along with the legislative, executive and judicial authorities in the governing process (Siebert et al 1963:3-4)
Oosthuzein (2002) argues that freedom of the press was seen as essential to inform the free market place of ideas. Diverse press content was essential for the proper functioning of society, where different views had to compete for supremacy among the populace who could make up their own minds about what they wanted to support. In terms of this media theory: The media should be free of external censorship for example the government’s interference in content. Every individual or group should be free to publish and distribute information for instance if one wants to start a newspaper, they should be able to do so. Editorial attacks on government or political parties are acceptable, since the new media is expected to be the public’s watch dog as far as government conduct is concerned. For instance, what daily news was doing was health for the well being of the society especially with regard to free dissemination of information. There should be no coercion to publish anything including government initiatives. False reporting is viewed in the same light as published the truth. No restriction should be placed on the acquisition of information through legal channels. Again they should be no restriction on the export and import of messages across national boarders, thereby promoting the free flow of information (McQuail 1989: 89)
It can be argued that the emerging of global conglomerate such as Disney, News Corporation, Cable News network, Bertelsmann, Viacom and many others is a good example that supports the libertarian press theory. On the other hand it can be argued that in Zimbabwe libertarian theory exist, since we have independent media such as The Financial gazette, The Standard, The Independent and many more. However, it can be argued that the claim that Zimbabwe have and believe that libertarian theory should be incorporated to the media run; electronic media has failed to honor that. In Zimbabwe electronic media has the monopoly and is dominated by the state. Zimbabwean government uses all media especially the state controlled one as a mouth piece to further their interest at the expense of the masses. Unlike in Europe were the government since the time of Reagan administration in the United State of America has detached itself from having influence and control of media. Hence media controls itself and fulfils the oligopoly firm theory against monopoly that has no respect for the masses interest.
The Social Responsibility Theory
Exponent of this theory attempt to reconcile the ideas of freedom and independence with responsibility towards society (Roelofse 1996:53-54). The social responsibility theory in based on the following premises (McQuail 1987:116-118)
The media have an important function to fulfill in society, especially with regard to supporting democratic- political principles. The Media are under an obligation to fulfill their societal functions, especially with regard to the transmission of information and the creation of a forum for different viewpoints. The independence of the media should be emphasized in relation to their responsibility towards society. Fourie (2001:9) say that this theory offers two types of solutions to the problem of reconciling freedom with social responsibility and these are; the development of public institutions, independent of government, for the control of the broadcasting industry. For instance, institutions such as the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the independent Broadcasting Complaints Commission (IBCC) and all these are from South Africa. In Zimbabwe social responsibility is fostered by the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Union of Journalist, MISA and MMPZ.
Secondly and lastly the continuing development of professionalism, which should advance and nurture balanced and impartial news presentation ( compare for instance the plight and recommendation of the South Africa Human Rights Commission for the development of professionalism and training in South Africa Journalism. All the above mentioned facts are there to reinforce social responsibility.
In addition, McQuail (ibid) identifies the following basic principles of the social responsibility theory about the media as follows; the media should accept certain responsibility towards society. For instance media should not defame, lie and invade in someone spheres of private. Furthermore, the media should fulfill their responsibilities mainly by setting professional standards with regard to the supply of information and the truth, accuracy, objectivity and balance of their reporting. For instance what was done by “The Daily News” about the Magunje woman as well as what the state run newspaper “The Herald “ did in 2008 to publish pictures of Pius Ncube naked was immoral and breach of ethics. Such stories shows lack of social responsibility and should be condoned for good media coverage that do not offend the public who are the consumers of the content. Again media should avoid publishing information that can lead to crime, violence or social disruption, as well as information that can offend ethnic or religious minorities (Fourie 2001) In fact the media should collectively represent all social groups and reflect the diversity of society by giving people access to a variety of viewpoints and the right to react to these views points. In other word as much as media is suppose to set the agenda, they should also function as a free market of ideas, thereby creating public spheres to the community they are serving( Mundt 1993:13)
Soviet Communist Theory
The fourth theory that is the Soviet Communist theory as initiated by Siebert and Schramm (1963) is a theory that was founded after the Russian Revolution of 1917. It exhibits authoritarian characteristics. Under this dispensation, the media are owned and controlled by the state, which represents the working class (proletariat). The working class owns the natural resources of production including the media, as directed through their membership of the communist party. In line with the views of Karl Marx (1818-1883) and Fredrick Engels (1820-1895), the communist press was to have no profit motive. The absence of advertisements was supposed to rid the media system of any capitalistic economic influence, enabling the media to publish the truth in support of working –class interest. The media were strictly regulated to promote these interests at all times
The soviet communist media theory postulates that the media should act in the interest of and be controlled by the working class. This probably answers the question that is being asked by the Marxist cultural studies scholars like Adorno and Horkheimer (1944), why the working class have failed to over throw the capitalist system. Media apart from being a tool of disseminating information its major aim is economical programmed to generate profit and to continue disseminating the dominant ideology. Again the soviet theory suggest that media should not be privately controlled and that media should perform positive functions for society, including socialization, education, information, motivation and mobilization of the masses. Censorship or other legal measures are justified to prevent or punish transgressions of societal norms. Oosthuizen (1989:12) states that through soviet theory, “the media must reflect a complete and objective view of the world in terms of Marxist-Leninist principles. Hence Roelofse (1996:56) and McQuail (1989:93), agree that media should support progressive (communist) movement in other parts of the world. In terms of control, the media are free under such a dispensation, but only in so far as it promotes the aim of the communist. Censorship and legislation are used to eliminate anti-proletariat media content, for instance about the benefits of capitalism. It can be observed that theoretically the people own the press, but actual control takes place through the Communist party and the government apparatus (Mundt 1993:13)
Moreover, in line with the function of mobilization, the media act as political agitators and propagandist (Oosthuizen 1989). Some of the principles of Soviet Communist theory are still applied in countries such as Soviet Bloc, China, Cuba and many Asiatic states hence such state are still battling to obtain media freedom. In Cuba, the application of this theory has not been restricted to the older or traditional media. British Broadcasting Corporation world reported in 2001 that people in Cuba were still not allowed to register an e-mail address in the name of a private person.
Development Theory
Development theory grew out of the unique circumstances of the Third World Countries, which included the absence of communication infrastructure and professional skills, poverty and illiteracy. The development theory has it that African state should report on development issues in their community such as the building of dams, construction of hospitals, clinics, schools and roads. The initiation of community newspapers such as ZIANA as well as the privately owned newspapers such as “The Sun”, “The Gweru Times”, “Chaminuka” and so forth are there to curtail the developmental theory. Apart from reporting about development such papers were suppose to be close to the community that they exist and promote the local languages such as isiNdebele, Shona and so forth. For instance the existence of new papers that uses local language such as “Umthunywa” from Bulawayo and “Kwayedza” from Harare are a result of development theory. The problem with these papers is that they do not serve the community that they are supposing to. For instance, Gweru Time, have been hijacked by the politicians to further their interest at the expense of the community. The reason is that it is funded by the state (ZANU PF). On the other hand the privately owned community papers such as “The Sun”, instead of serving the Gweru community, it serves the Gweru city Council’s interest dominated by the Movement for Democratic Party (MDC). Further more, Umthunywa as a Bulawayo paper serves the large community of Bulawayo whose dominant language is isiNdebele and Kwayedza serves the people of Harare whose dominant language is Shona.
The developing states are still largely dependent on their previous colonial rulers for their economic survival and media regulation and control. Hence in Zimbabwe our media systems are affected by the Rhodesian administration and media control pattern, this is because we inherited everything from our colonizers. This claim support the dependency theory which has been castigated by Emmanuel Wallenstein, who said that if developing countries are to develop like their colonizers they have to cut the umbilical code that keeps them attached. Although developing states have achieved their political independence like Zimbabwe in 1980, economically the struggle is still on. Hence development theory tries to address the Third World’s continues cultural dependence on the West mass media content. This is supported by the Africa tendency of borrowing news stories western media like BBC, CNN and Disney. (Roelofse 1996)
Oosthuizen (2002:44) asserts that the Third World proponent of this theory want the media to make a definite contribution towards improving the position of developing countries. At the same time, they want to ward off what they see as the potential negative effects of Western-dominated media and new agency reporting on these countries. This theory suggests that the media is expected to make a positive contribution to the national development process; The state should be able to restrict the media if economic interests and the development needs of society are stake. Therefore the good example is the Zimbabwean media law such as OSA, POSA, AIPPA and so forth. Such media laws questions the ownership, fund and the eliciting of private information illegal. Many journalists around Zimbabwe have fallen victim of the above media laws. Again the local media laws support the second aspect pointed by Oosthuizen (2002), when he says that preferential media coverage should be given to information about national, cultural and language issue. Hence the law about 75% local content and media ownership which gives first preference to the Zimbabwean are some amongst the laws that supports this claim.
Again the development theory encourages developing countries to report about their neighbors’ problems and progress. For instance this is way all our national both daily and weekly papers report on the developments that takes place in our neighboring countries such as Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique. In addition, thie development theory claims that the state has the right to intervene to protect development objectives by restricting and censoring the media. State control and direct control over the media are justified. For instance, the Zimbabwean government have to justify themselves that the initiated the AIPPA, POSA, OSA and so forth for the good of the nation. The problem is that these media laws have invested much power to the minister of information and at time he abuses those powers for his own party benefit. For example, restricting media house and journalist registration is more negative to the independent papers like The Standard and Independent since they act as the watch dog against the abuse of human treatment and corruption by government top officials.
Most of the principles of this theory were clearly articulated by the International Commission for the study of communication also known as the MacBride commission or Nwico Debate. The name of this commission comes after the name its chairperson. The commissions recommendation included; the using the media and communication for national development, allotting more space and time in the media of the industrialized world for events in and background material about the developing world, the right of reply by a country in the case of inaccurate or malicious reporting of international news; training foreign journalist in the language, history, culture of the country they report from to avoid bias and the provision of more news in the media of developing countries about neighboring countries or such countries in other regions (UNESCO 1980;253-272)
Democratic-Participant Theory
Fourie (2001) states that this theory is primarily a reaction to the trends towards commercialization and monopoly-formation in privately controlled mass media, and towards centralization and bureaucratization in the public broadcasting. Proponent of development theory takes issues with the way in which libertarian media report about developing countries. They believe that the media in the developed world exhibit certain inherent flaws when it comes to dealing with the Third World countries. The democratic participant theory is also based on flaws in the current media system, but is viewed from the perspective of the First World. Supporters of this theory argued that democracy, as a system of government, has failed to deliver real representation for citizens at grass root level (Oosthuizen 2002:46)
The focus had to move from representative government to participatory government, in which civil society had to play a more prominent role. The good example is the MISA, MMPZ and others like Kubatana. They have pressure the government in removing the draconian laws that makes it difficult for the journalist to practice their professionalism. MISA have played an important role in assisting both the journalist and certain media house not to get their licenses to operate withdrawn. The democratic –participatory media theory reassesses the role of the media within this framework. The emphasis is primarily on securing access to the media for the citizenry.
The development of this theory was informed by the following factors; a growing concern about the commercialisation of monopoly formation within privately controlled media. The good examples are the online publication in Zimbabwe like The Zimbabwean situation, New Zimbabwe and so forth. This raised questions about whether media users were getting more of the same content of inferior quality, and whether the media were serving the needs of users. In addition, the move towards the centralization of public broadcasting gave rise to concerns about whether public broadcasting was fulfilling its promise to contribute towards the strengthening of democratic process. Development in the media where the emphasis was shifting from mass media catering for everyone to specialist media. Again sociological shift in society resulting from people moving away from city centers into the suburbs where they became part of new communities in which they established parameters for meaningful existence. As a result, local media dealing with issues that directly affect people’s daily lives became more important. The development of new media for instance interactive television, e-mail and the internet, which shifted control of the media away from institutions to the uses.
It can be noted that democratic-participant theory was formulated to account for political, economical and social developments in democratic societies. The basic principles of the theory are that; individual and minorities must be able to claim right of access to the media and have their needs served by the media. Again media content and organizations should be free from political and bureaucratic control. The media must serve the needs and interest of recipients; their existence should not be exclusively linked to the needs of media organizations, professional workers and advertisement. Final the democratic –participant theory assumes that communication is too important to be left to professionals (McQuail 1989, Roelofse 1996:56-60)
References
Biagi (1990) Media Impact: An introduction to Mass media. Sacramento. Wadsworth
Baldwin, R and Cave, M (1999) Understanding regulations. Oxford University Press.
Commission of Freedom of the Press. A free and responsible Press. Chicago: university of Chicago press, 1947
Fourie PJ (2001) The role and function of the Media: South Africa. Lansdowne, Juta
Griffin, EM (1991) A First Look at communication Theory. New York: McGraw-Hall
McQuail D (1987) mass Communication Theory: an introduction. London. Sage
Oosthuizen, LM (2002) Media Ethics: In the South African Context. South Africa. Lansdowne. Juta.
Siebert, FS et al (1963) Four Theories of the Press. Urbana: university of iIlions Press
http//fcim.vdu.it/e-media/md/civil-html
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Challenges faced by artist in Midlands (An Interview with the late National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Midlands Administrator Thandekile Zozi in 2007)
Today we will share the discussion that was made in 2007, with the late Thandekile Zozi, (Midlands National Arts Council (NACZ) administrator, about the challenges artist faces in displaying their artifacts in the Midlands province. This interview was conducted by Caven Masuku and was broadcasted at Midlands State University.
Mrs Zozi discussed with Caven Masuku the former “Business Express Newspaper” senior reporter , who also maintain the arts and entertainment news column in 2007. Zozi indicated their plans to address these challenges to assist the Midlands province artist to improve their products.
Q. Mrs Zozi could you please give us your background for the benefit of our listener
A. Well my full name is Thandekile Zozi, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manger in the Midlands Province. I used to be a high school teacher in 1987-1989 after completing my studies at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). From 1989-1995 I worked as a literature Bureau Editor. In 2000-2001 I once worked as an Editor at Mambo Press. I used to edit both English and isiNdebele books. I left Mambo Press in 2001 and joined the NACZ as the Arts Manager in the Midlands Province.
Q. Mrs Zozi how are the artist performance in Midlands Province?
A. There is not real much at the moment because we do not have full time artist who are devoted school leavers with nothing to do and think they can do art to while up their time. They are just but few who are devoted and who know exactly what they want in arts industry.
Q. Mrs Zozi why do we not have an Art Gallery Center in Midlands province?
A. Thank you so much Mr Masuku, that’s a good question especially to the NACZ as an art oriented organization. That is the government duty my brother! Perhaps what I can say is that Gweru is unfortunate as compared to other cities. Harare, Bulawayo do have arts Gallery Center. I do not know why not Gweru! Probably since there is military museum the government would have seen it not necessary to build one. Nacz as an art oriented organization realized that and at one time we approached the former Gweru mayor Sesil Zvidzai, but no response was given. Artists went in person to the former mayor and were promised to be shown the site up until now nothing has materialized. An art center will be a good move to the Midlands artists. This will enable them to show case their products. In Zvishavane which is part of Midlands they have a craft center for the artist and this was built through the money donated by the German embassy. I wish Gweru if they could to have a similar art center. Zvishavane Center is well established and is an ideal place to work with the artist. I have requested the Gweru City Council to give us Gweru Theatre as an art gallery Center, which has been turned for church services, instead of arts but they refused.
Q. Don’t you think that Midlands Artists are short changed for not having such facility that can improve their artistic prowess?
A. Yes! What you are saying makes sense and is true somehow. Well artist are disadvantaged since they do not have a place to display their talent Artist should have the place of their own to operate in. Gweru theatre is more central and convenient and only if we can get a place that is central, that will be a stride to the Midlands artist.
Q. Have you got any plan as an organization to construct an art center in Gweru?
A. Oh! Yes! If the City fathers give us the site, but again as I said before the government is the one that should carry such project not NACZ
Q. In Gweru do we have sculptors and painting artist who match the international standards?
A. Yes we do! Coaster Mkoki have won several international awards. He is a sculptor and uses stones and scrape metal. As I am speaking he is in South Africa for exhibition. Tapfuma Gutswa from Shurugwi is also good and is in Austria for exhibition. Forbes Muchipe who does wood curving and frames has won several regional and international awards. Gutsa does his art with his wife they are all good.
Q. What other challenges are faced by the Midlands artist?
A. Most artist so far in Midlands, particularly in Gweru are immature and they do not realize that art is a career. They spend most of their time waiting for programs from the NACZ office yet NACZ is just there to assist and to facilitate financial needs of them. Zimbabwean public are not buying public art products, in fact the foreigners are the ones who do consume these products.
Q. What do you think should be done to address those challenges?
A. There is need to educate artist and that is upon themselves to take art seriously. Again NACZ have a task to facilitate workshops. Exhibitions will enable artist to meet each other and share ideas. Exchange programs like residence also will assist artist to decide their destiny and creating relationship and networking in the arts fraternity.
Q. Social, political, cultural and economical, how does artist contribute the economic turn- around of Zimbabwean economy?
A. What is not art? Art touches every sphere of life. They is need to do research and to document them about the arts products that embodies the above mentioned aspect. From my history arts and music contribute immensely to our economy .Artist should start gearing themselves towards 2010 South Africa World Cup. A certain sculptor from Mvuma area entered NAMA competitions submitted a sculptor which glances 2010 football world cup competitions to be conducted in South Africa.
Q. what other activities should be done to ameliorate arts industry in Gweru particularly and Zimbabwe in general?
A.Zimbabwe publics do not appreciate art as an industry. Art is looked down upon as a degraded profession and is regarded as for the uneducated. One Shona term used to tell the whole essence is “ROMBE” meaning poor. Artist themselves carries this label by appearing scruffy. Not knowing that business people like dealing with trustworthy, respected and well representative individuals. Trust is build through appearance. Artists do not bath themselves and stinks and they are perceived as the uncivilized in the society. Apart from that most artist from Gweru are skilled but lacks anxiety to showcase themselves and their art facts. It is my wish for Gweru to have a gallery like Amakhosi .
Q. what are your views in introducing Arts in the education curriculum?
A. Actually some schools around have started art as a subject. Though at the moment it is rife to the primary schools. They are need to recognize that art is more than drawing and singing. Midlands State University (MSU), under the faculty of social sciences offers a degree in musicology which is good. It is not always the case that people should be academic to become artist. Anyone can assimilate and accommodate artistic skills and there is no need to practice “bottle neck” system for inert art ability. Art creates employment. Cecil John Rhodes does music and art from grade one right up to grade seven and writes internal exams set by their teachers. Mkoba secondary school teaches arts and music from Form one to Four as well as Mkoba 3 Secondary, which currently have six classes for music and four classes for arts. Many schools have shortage of teachers for music and arts.
Q. what other programs have you been assisting Midlands artist to cultivate their talent(s)
A. We facilitate for a place/ stand for exhibition on their behalf at the Midlands Show ground. In addition, we organize the intershops at Zimbabwe International Trade Fare (ZITF) in Bulawayo, as a marketing strategy for them. We also organize regional workshops for them to places like Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. We also facilitate residence programs, processing passport for the NAMA competition held out of the country. We also organize local competitions that are held annually which are meant to promote artists and art industry in Zimbabwe. At the moment this effort is not appealing to artist, but hope that it will be appealing very soon.
Q. How is your relation with the media in an attempt to improve the art discipline?
A. Our relationship with the media is super at the moment. We work at close hand and they assist us to publish our programs in their papers. The Times, The Business Express and the Zimpapers have given us space several times to place our material in their papers. This enables us to reach our rural audiences especially in remote areas. However, we are craving for more coverage from Zimbabwe Television (ZTV) that it is at national level and other electronically media such as the local radio stations. Currently I will safely say that electronic media is letting us down and we need their support to reach wide audiences especially in rural areas. Another problem encountered so far by NACZ is that we have no offices in rural areas. This is supposed to be a field work yet we are always confined in the office. How would we talk to the custodians of our culture, our elders who are in rural areas? I wish if NACZ provides more resources to buy cars for travelling and acquiring offices in rural areas. It is and has been my wish to be out there gathering information from rural folks.
Mrs Zozi discussed with Caven Masuku the former “Business Express Newspaper” senior reporter , who also maintain the arts and entertainment news column in 2007. Zozi indicated their plans to address these challenges to assist the Midlands province artist to improve their products.
Q. Mrs Zozi could you please give us your background for the benefit of our listener
A. Well my full name is Thandekile Zozi, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe Manger in the Midlands Province. I used to be a high school teacher in 1987-1989 after completing my studies at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). From 1989-1995 I worked as a literature Bureau Editor. In 2000-2001 I once worked as an Editor at Mambo Press. I used to edit both English and isiNdebele books. I left Mambo Press in 2001 and joined the NACZ as the Arts Manager in the Midlands Province.
Q. Mrs Zozi how are the artist performance in Midlands Province?
A. There is not real much at the moment because we do not have full time artist who are devoted school leavers with nothing to do and think they can do art to while up their time. They are just but few who are devoted and who know exactly what they want in arts industry.
Q. Mrs Zozi why do we not have an Art Gallery Center in Midlands province?
A. Thank you so much Mr Masuku, that’s a good question especially to the NACZ as an art oriented organization. That is the government duty my brother! Perhaps what I can say is that Gweru is unfortunate as compared to other cities. Harare, Bulawayo do have arts Gallery Center. I do not know why not Gweru! Probably since there is military museum the government would have seen it not necessary to build one. Nacz as an art oriented organization realized that and at one time we approached the former Gweru mayor Sesil Zvidzai, but no response was given. Artists went in person to the former mayor and were promised to be shown the site up until now nothing has materialized. An art center will be a good move to the Midlands artists. This will enable them to show case their products. In Zvishavane which is part of Midlands they have a craft center for the artist and this was built through the money donated by the German embassy. I wish Gweru if they could to have a similar art center. Zvishavane Center is well established and is an ideal place to work with the artist. I have requested the Gweru City Council to give us Gweru Theatre as an art gallery Center, which has been turned for church services, instead of arts but they refused.
Q. Don’t you think that Midlands Artists are short changed for not having such facility that can improve their artistic prowess?
A. Yes! What you are saying makes sense and is true somehow. Well artist are disadvantaged since they do not have a place to display their talent Artist should have the place of their own to operate in. Gweru theatre is more central and convenient and only if we can get a place that is central, that will be a stride to the Midlands artist.
Q. Have you got any plan as an organization to construct an art center in Gweru?
A. Oh! Yes! If the City fathers give us the site, but again as I said before the government is the one that should carry such project not NACZ
Q. In Gweru do we have sculptors and painting artist who match the international standards?
A. Yes we do! Coaster Mkoki have won several international awards. He is a sculptor and uses stones and scrape metal. As I am speaking he is in South Africa for exhibition. Tapfuma Gutswa from Shurugwi is also good and is in Austria for exhibition. Forbes Muchipe who does wood curving and frames has won several regional and international awards. Gutsa does his art with his wife they are all good.
Q. What other challenges are faced by the Midlands artist?
A. Most artist so far in Midlands, particularly in Gweru are immature and they do not realize that art is a career. They spend most of their time waiting for programs from the NACZ office yet NACZ is just there to assist and to facilitate financial needs of them. Zimbabwean public are not buying public art products, in fact the foreigners are the ones who do consume these products.
Q. What do you think should be done to address those challenges?
A. There is need to educate artist and that is upon themselves to take art seriously. Again NACZ have a task to facilitate workshops. Exhibitions will enable artist to meet each other and share ideas. Exchange programs like residence also will assist artist to decide their destiny and creating relationship and networking in the arts fraternity.
Q. Social, political, cultural and economical, how does artist contribute the economic turn- around of Zimbabwean economy?
A. What is not art? Art touches every sphere of life. They is need to do research and to document them about the arts products that embodies the above mentioned aspect. From my history arts and music contribute immensely to our economy .Artist should start gearing themselves towards 2010 South Africa World Cup. A certain sculptor from Mvuma area entered NAMA competitions submitted a sculptor which glances 2010 football world cup competitions to be conducted in South Africa.
Q. what other activities should be done to ameliorate arts industry in Gweru particularly and Zimbabwe in general?
A.Zimbabwe publics do not appreciate art as an industry. Art is looked down upon as a degraded profession and is regarded as for the uneducated. One Shona term used to tell the whole essence is “ROMBE” meaning poor. Artist themselves carries this label by appearing scruffy. Not knowing that business people like dealing with trustworthy, respected and well representative individuals. Trust is build through appearance. Artists do not bath themselves and stinks and they are perceived as the uncivilized in the society. Apart from that most artist from Gweru are skilled but lacks anxiety to showcase themselves and their art facts. It is my wish for Gweru to have a gallery like Amakhosi .
Q. what are your views in introducing Arts in the education curriculum?
A. Actually some schools around have started art as a subject. Though at the moment it is rife to the primary schools. They are need to recognize that art is more than drawing and singing. Midlands State University (MSU), under the faculty of social sciences offers a degree in musicology which is good. It is not always the case that people should be academic to become artist. Anyone can assimilate and accommodate artistic skills and there is no need to practice “bottle neck” system for inert art ability. Art creates employment. Cecil John Rhodes does music and art from grade one right up to grade seven and writes internal exams set by their teachers. Mkoba secondary school teaches arts and music from Form one to Four as well as Mkoba 3 Secondary, which currently have six classes for music and four classes for arts. Many schools have shortage of teachers for music and arts.
Q. what other programs have you been assisting Midlands artist to cultivate their talent(s)
A. We facilitate for a place/ stand for exhibition on their behalf at the Midlands Show ground. In addition, we organize the intershops at Zimbabwe International Trade Fare (ZITF) in Bulawayo, as a marketing strategy for them. We also organize regional workshops for them to places like Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. We also facilitate residence programs, processing passport for the NAMA competition held out of the country. We also organize local competitions that are held annually which are meant to promote artists and art industry in Zimbabwe. At the moment this effort is not appealing to artist, but hope that it will be appealing very soon.
Q. How is your relation with the media in an attempt to improve the art discipline?
A. Our relationship with the media is super at the moment. We work at close hand and they assist us to publish our programs in their papers. The Times, The Business Express and the Zimpapers have given us space several times to place our material in their papers. This enables us to reach our rural audiences especially in remote areas. However, we are craving for more coverage from Zimbabwe Television (ZTV) that it is at national level and other electronically media such as the local radio stations. Currently I will safely say that electronic media is letting us down and we need their support to reach wide audiences especially in rural areas. Another problem encountered so far by NACZ is that we have no offices in rural areas. This is supposed to be a field work yet we are always confined in the office. How would we talk to the custodians of our culture, our elders who are in rural areas? I wish if NACZ provides more resources to buy cars for travelling and acquiring offices in rural areas. It is and has been my wish to be out there gathering information from rural folks.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Telone Seeks U.S.$700 000 for Satellite System
Harare, Mar 25, 2009 (The Herald/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
TELONE is battling to secure US$700 000 to pay Global Connect that operates the satellite linking system that enables the country to enjoy Internet access. In Zimbabwe most institutions especially the higher learning institutions like University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, Midlands State University and so forth faces a sever challenge in accessing the internet service.
The bandwidth of all higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe needs to be improved. To suffice the capacity of these universities a broad bandwidth has to be installed.
International satellite organization such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU), politics the satellite parking space. All developing countries are undermined in fear that if they get that allocation the developed world will lose monopoly. The claim that the development of first world countries is the underdevelopment of third world countries by Rodney become a reality
The US$700 000 is part of US$1 million that TelOne had incurred as payment for the linking system. One wonders how TelOne can improve their service delivery, given the rogue behavior of the International regulating board.
Our media are underdeveloped and can not go global because of the international regulating board like ITU. This impasse can be traced as far back as during the time of NWICO debate. NWICO debate was a flaw because the developed countries failed to honor their promises. Our media is trailing behind because the developed countries enjoy such a drawback
TelOne as the custodian of the system had fallen behind in terms of
payments. Zimbabwe faces severe economic crisis which by no means cannot, even if they wish to settle the debts they owe the international regulating community.
As a result of the arrears, internet access within the country has been erratic despite the fact that the internet service is one of the most preferred choices of communication in the country.
The matter came to light during a meeting between the Minister of
Information and Communication Technology Nelson Chamisa and the
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries held last month. It is everyone hope that our Minister honorable Chamise will improve the plight of communication technology that haunts the Zimbabweans in every sphere of live. We cannot communicate effectively because of such challenges face by the entire country of poor communication infrastructures
TELONE is battling to secure US$700 000 to pay Global Connect that operates the satellite linking system that enables the country to enjoy Internet access. In Zimbabwe most institutions especially the higher learning institutions like University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, Midlands State University and so forth faces a sever challenge in accessing the internet service.
The bandwidth of all higher learning institutions in Zimbabwe needs to be improved. To suffice the capacity of these universities a broad bandwidth has to be installed.
International satellite organization such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU), politics the satellite parking space. All developing countries are undermined in fear that if they get that allocation the developed world will lose monopoly. The claim that the development of first world countries is the underdevelopment of third world countries by Rodney become a reality
The US$700 000 is part of US$1 million that TelOne had incurred as payment for the linking system. One wonders how TelOne can improve their service delivery, given the rogue behavior of the International regulating board.
Our media are underdeveloped and can not go global because of the international regulating board like ITU. This impasse can be traced as far back as during the time of NWICO debate. NWICO debate was a flaw because the developed countries failed to honor their promises. Our media is trailing behind because the developed countries enjoy such a drawback
TelOne as the custodian of the system had fallen behind in terms of
payments. Zimbabwe faces severe economic crisis which by no means cannot, even if they wish to settle the debts they owe the international regulating community.
As a result of the arrears, internet access within the country has been erratic despite the fact that the internet service is one of the most preferred choices of communication in the country.
The matter came to light during a meeting between the Minister of
Information and Communication Technology Nelson Chamisa and the
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries held last month. It is everyone hope that our Minister honorable Chamise will improve the plight of communication technology that haunts the Zimbabweans in every sphere of live. We cannot communicate effectively because of such challenges face by the entire country of poor communication infrastructures
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Female Personal
In our daily mundane lives it is sometimes difficult to find someone that we can share our lives with. This fact is especially true with the sophisticated career woman of today.
There are a multiplicity of things that these women have to juggle that they sometimes leave romance out of the equation. They have the options of letting well meaning friends and family set up dates for them. In some cases these dates work quite well, and in others there is no magic. The other options that are open for women are dating services.
Just like other personals these can be found in newspapers and on the internet. A look through your favorite search engine will provide you with a number of female personals that you can go through. Before you try this option keep in your mind exactly what you are looking for in a partner. Do not dive right into a new cyber relationship without giving this idea some serious thought.
You need to remember that just like a real date you are meeting someone for the first time and you have absolutely no idea of what type of a person they are. Therefore you should take things nice and slow, get to know the other person well. Do not give out detailed account for your home, office phone number and home address. The best thing that you can do is to wait until you are both sure that you are ready for a public encounter. By public I mean a place where there are a lot of people around you both.
Until that day comes you might want to keep your options open and meet some other people. This way even if you do not find romance you will have made some new friends that you can talk with. Female personals will let you create a brand new persona that will intrigue the people that comes into contact with you.
This is a good idea especially if you are unsure about yourself. With a new persona you can slowly explore the real you that you have hidden because you are not sure if it goes with society. By letting your alter ego talk and answer your female personals you get a chance to screen out the various incoming mail and see if there are any that appeal to both sides of your self.
There are a multiplicity of things that these women have to juggle that they sometimes leave romance out of the equation. They have the options of letting well meaning friends and family set up dates for them. In some cases these dates work quite well, and in others there is no magic. The other options that are open for women are dating services.
Just like other personals these can be found in newspapers and on the internet. A look through your favorite search engine will provide you with a number of female personals that you can go through. Before you try this option keep in your mind exactly what you are looking for in a partner. Do not dive right into a new cyber relationship without giving this idea some serious thought.
You need to remember that just like a real date you are meeting someone for the first time and you have absolutely no idea of what type of a person they are. Therefore you should take things nice and slow, get to know the other person well. Do not give out detailed account for your home, office phone number and home address. The best thing that you can do is to wait until you are both sure that you are ready for a public encounter. By public I mean a place where there are a lot of people around you both.
Until that day comes you might want to keep your options open and meet some other people. This way even if you do not find romance you will have made some new friends that you can talk with. Female personals will let you create a brand new persona that will intrigue the people that comes into contact with you.
This is a good idea especially if you are unsure about yourself. With a new persona you can slowly explore the real you that you have hidden because you are not sure if it goes with society. By letting your alter ego talk and answer your female personals you get a chance to screen out the various incoming mail and see if there are any that appeal to both sides of your self.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Those wishing to join Social Services
Social service is a field that requires an individual who can interact with people. To socialize need one to be good at languages. Language is the tools to get work done and can be viewed in different dimension. In Zimbabwe to be a good social worker one have to be effective, efficiency and proficiency in English, IsiNdebele, Shona and other languages.
Again the need for one to be able to come up with good ideas and being creative and original with words, art, music and dance create a unique character in this field of work. Art’s subjects at advanced level assist anyone to fit well in social services. Some people have the inert ability to perform certain duties in life. However, despite having this in-born talent one needs to nurture it with academic pursuance.
Moreso, in social services one should be able to see the past as relevant to the present. The fact that we live in a structural world, which needs comparative approach, can never be undermined or under estimated. Articulation and being able to teach people is a prerequisite in this field.
Social workers should be good at relating to people and to understand different social background, which people carries around with them. Also a free outgoing character is a must. This enables a social worker to be easily consulted by others about personal problems. The person must be good at helping solve personal problems, even at personal level.
Above all, an ability to get others to work towards a common goal is salient especially if one is working for a certain organization. Teamwork spirit and strong public relation enables work to be done smoothly
Again the need for one to be able to come up with good ideas and being creative and original with words, art, music and dance create a unique character in this field of work. Art’s subjects at advanced level assist anyone to fit well in social services. Some people have the inert ability to perform certain duties in life. However, despite having this in-born talent one needs to nurture it with academic pursuance.
Moreso, in social services one should be able to see the past as relevant to the present. The fact that we live in a structural world, which needs comparative approach, can never be undermined or under estimated. Articulation and being able to teach people is a prerequisite in this field.
Social workers should be good at relating to people and to understand different social background, which people carries around with them. Also a free outgoing character is a must. This enables a social worker to be easily consulted by others about personal problems. The person must be good at helping solve personal problems, even at personal level.
Above all, an ability to get others to work towards a common goal is salient especially if one is working for a certain organization. Teamwork spirit and strong public relation enables work to be done smoothly
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Good Communication in a relationship
Communication is one of the main ingredients to a beautiful and healthy relationship. To communicate is to exchange your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, critiques and other comments with another person. Without having such an exchange, a relationship will live in silence and soon drown in that silence, until there is no longer any kind of connection between the two of you. This is one of the biggest reasons a relationship ends and also a reason why some are lead to making bad decisions.
Good communication is not just about being able to talk, but being able to listen. Being a good listener does not just mean waiting for your turn to talk, but really taking in the words your partner is sharing with you. As you receive those words, you should also understand the emotions in those words and the body language that goes along with them. If you do not pay close attention, you might miss the meaning in the words that are being said and the body language that is being presented with them.
Constant defensiveness is another way to lack good communication. If you or your lover constantly get offended by what the other says, then either one of you are not choosing your words too wisely, not listening very well, or not respecting each other? opinion. All three of those are communication no-nos. If you tend to get defensive as an instant first response, make an effort to stop and really listen to what your partner has said to you. Hearing and listening are different. If you only hear, you can turn those words into anything your mind tells you to, but if you listen, you will really understand the meaning your partner had behind those words. If you have a defensive partner, help him or her by asking them what offended them so much. Repeat your words and explain what you meant so they can get a better visual.
With good communication skills on both of your parts, your relationship can be stronger than you ever hope for!
Good communication is not just about being able to talk, but being able to listen. Being a good listener does not just mean waiting for your turn to talk, but really taking in the words your partner is sharing with you. As you receive those words, you should also understand the emotions in those words and the body language that goes along with them. If you do not pay close attention, you might miss the meaning in the words that are being said and the body language that is being presented with them.
Constant defensiveness is another way to lack good communication. If you or your lover constantly get offended by what the other says, then either one of you are not choosing your words too wisely, not listening very well, or not respecting each other? opinion. All three of those are communication no-nos. If you tend to get defensive as an instant first response, make an effort to stop and really listen to what your partner has said to you. Hearing and listening are different. If you only hear, you can turn those words into anything your mind tells you to, but if you listen, you will really understand the meaning your partner had behind those words. If you have a defensive partner, help him or her by asking them what offended them so much. Repeat your words and explain what you meant so they can get a better visual.
With good communication skills on both of your parts, your relationship can be stronger than you ever hope for!
Public Relations Professionals
Public relation is an interesting profession which needs a person who is sociable, well articulate, and good in handling language both spoken and written. The Public Relation profession is there to create the image for an organization and the public, and should have a Janus face.
A Janus face means that while PR in any organization should communicate the policies and other important messages about the operation and objectives of the organization, he should simultaneously communicate back to the organization about the views of the public towards an organization. This is a two way process which should be kept flowing.
Language is one important vehicle that needs to be handled with care in order to achieve maximum respect in this field. We do things with words be it written or spoken. As a public relation professional, language should be use as a maximum benefit for both your organization and the public. People who did arts subjects at advanced level, especially English Literature are the best to be trained as public relations professionals.
All individuals were born with a talent of convincing and driving people through words. It is with words that one can cause the public to sympathies, sulk, trust, and again lose the customers. Just the way people dresses themselves, they should dress heir language for professional purposes.
People who have been in journalism like me have strong public relations and can serve the organization well if placed in public relation post. Marketing skills and advertising another fields that journalist are taught about are the salient aspect in the public relation field.
In Africa public relation is a profession that is not taken serious as compared to developed countries. Yet it is important for such post to exist in all business and can contribute immensely to decision making. Public relation can be placed in the Executive management depending on the structure of the business. It can also fit well in the decision support system of any given organization since they interact with the public, other organization and with workers.
In short public relation is communication that serves the image of an organization and leaves it in a resounding state. All channels of communication should be kept open and infinity for health communication within an organization to take place. Organizational policies should have the biases of public relation and an “open door” policy should be encouraged to ensure effective communication. Public relations should foster top-down, down top and side communication to flow smoothly
A Janus face means that while PR in any organization should communicate the policies and other important messages about the operation and objectives of the organization, he should simultaneously communicate back to the organization about the views of the public towards an organization. This is a two way process which should be kept flowing.
Language is one important vehicle that needs to be handled with care in order to achieve maximum respect in this field. We do things with words be it written or spoken. As a public relation professional, language should be use as a maximum benefit for both your organization and the public. People who did arts subjects at advanced level, especially English Literature are the best to be trained as public relations professionals.
All individuals were born with a talent of convincing and driving people through words. It is with words that one can cause the public to sympathies, sulk, trust, and again lose the customers. Just the way people dresses themselves, they should dress heir language for professional purposes.
People who have been in journalism like me have strong public relations and can serve the organization well if placed in public relation post. Marketing skills and advertising another fields that journalist are taught about are the salient aspect in the public relation field.
In Africa public relation is a profession that is not taken serious as compared to developed countries. Yet it is important for such post to exist in all business and can contribute immensely to decision making. Public relation can be placed in the Executive management depending on the structure of the business. It can also fit well in the decision support system of any given organization since they interact with the public, other organization and with workers.
In short public relation is communication that serves the image of an organization and leaves it in a resounding state. All channels of communication should be kept open and infinity for health communication within an organization to take place. Organizational policies should have the biases of public relation and an “open door” policy should be encouraged to ensure effective communication. Public relations should foster top-down, down top and side communication to flow smoothly
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