Manicaland congratulates Makoni

BY SHARRON MYAMBO

THE creative industry in Manicaland province is congratulating one of newly appointed Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) board member, Caroline Makoni.

Makoni, who currently serves in a provincial management role within the arts sector, was named among seven new board members appointed on Friday by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. She joins Vengai Rushwaya (Chief Serima), Tendai Jennifer Mandizvidza, Godfrey Mutobaya, Magna Mudyiwa, Cloud Nyamundanda, and Prime Kufakunesu on the regulatory body.

For many in the eastern province, Makoni’s seat at the table is more than a personal achievement; it is seen as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the region’s creative energy.

Gerald Mucheto, the frontman of The Afro Sons Band, who is widely known as Dr Chivhuno, described the news as a proud moment for the local arts community. He said, “It is a huge honour to see someone from Manicaland take up such an important position. This means our province’s voices is also going to be heard the national broadcasting decisions.”

Phillip Kusasa, founder and director of the Ndau Festival of the Arts, gave similar sentiment.

“Makoni’s elevation is a formal recognition of the cultural richness that Manicaland has always offered. Her appointment sends a clear message that the province’s contributions to the arts are being taken seriously at the highest levels,” he said.

Award-winning writer and filmmaker Joseph Sithole, better known as Bhasera, also welcomed the development.

“I am humbled and encouraged by Makoni’s new role. I hope that her insights will help shape a more inclusive and dynamic media environment for all Zimbabweans. We really applaud her elevation,” he said.