By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo
MARONDERA – The lush lawns of The Green Park in Marondera burst into colour and sound this Friday, marking the vibrant start of the Pfumvudza Arts Festival, a two-day cultural showcase dedicated to fighting drug and substance abuse through creative expression.
Held under the powerful theme “Fighting Drug and Substance Abuse Through Creative Arts,” the festival has drawn artists, community leaders, and citizens from across the province to stand in solidarity against one of Zimbabwe’s most critical social challenges.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Pfumvudza Arts Festival has long been a platform for using art to address social issues. This year’s edition is particularly significant as it supports the national fight against drug abuse—a priority area for the Second Republic under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly called on all Zimbabweans to unite in eradicating drug and substance abuse, recognising it as a national threat to youth development and social cohesion. The Pfumvudza Arts Festival answers that call, promoting awareness and healing through music, dance, and drama.
Festival Director Ronald Badza highlighted the importance of collective action in his remarks at the opening ceremony:
“Drug and substance abuse is a serious threat to our communities. It tears apart families and destroys the social fabric that binds us together as a nation. Through this festival, we are offering a creative and constructive response. We thank our partners and sponsors who made this possible.”
The event has been organised by Pfumvudza Arts Festival in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, and supported by key partners and sponsors including Cultures in Harmony, Proton Bakeries, and Karimazondo Outdoor Center.
The opening day was filled with inspiring performances that delivered both entertainment and a clear message of resistance to drug abuse. The crowd was treated to captivating acts from Bobo Calabash, House of Stones, Rovambira Group, and the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Traditional Dance Troupe, all of whom used their art to raise awareness and ignite dialogue.
The festival continues on Saturday, August 9, with more performances, youth dialogues, and community engagement sessions that aim to equip young people with knowledge and resilience against substance abuse.
Events like the Pfumvudza Arts Festival underscore the vital role of arts in social development. By providing a platform for dialogue, expression, and community mobilisation, the festival contributes meaningfully to the government’s efforts to create a drug-free Zimbabwe.
As the nation continues its fight against drug and substance abuse, the message from Marondera is loud and clear: through unity, creativity, and commitment, victory is within reach.
