By Dr. Munyaradzi Chidarikire
[See attached picture showing some of Art work with Angela on the right left wearing white attire, next to her is Councillor Masimba, hon. Mp. Mureri, Senator Chakabuda, mp. Matara and Councillor Chikwangwani]
Angela Elizabeth Ledon Maduro aged 25, a young and accomplished law student at Great Zimbabwe University, has recently made waves by organizing a groundbreaking art exhibition that exclusively showcases the works of male artists in Masvingo Province. Angela, who is also an entrepreneur and the founder of Trinity Charity Foundation, has dedicated her efforts to supporting men and boys through her non-governmental organization.
She is the first black young female to hold ART Exbition in Masvingo Province since 1980.
Driven by her passion for human rights, Angela established the organization with a team of dedicated individuals, including Kudakwashe Mutemachimwe, Donovan Edward Maduro, and Nyasha Makandise.
Supported by Culture Fund and European Union delegate of Zimbabwe and other entities, Angela’s organization focuses on addressing the mental, psychological, emotional, behavioral, and societal well-being of men and boys.
In recognition of her outstanding community engagement initiative, Angela was honored with the Masvingo Achievement Award for the Outstanding Community Engagement Initiative of the Year in 2023. The award further fueled her determination to make a positive impact on the lives of men and boys in Masvingo Province and beyond.
Masvingo Province has been grappling with various social issues, including high crime rates among men and boys, such as murder, armed robberies, drug abuse, and sexual offenses. Angela’s visionary project, titled “Engaging Men and Boys in Promoting Cultural Entrepreneurship,” aims to improve the livelihoods of talented male artists and address the challenges they face through artistic expression.
On the 17th of February 2024, Angela organized a remarkable event at the Charles Austin Theatre in Masvingo City’s Civic Centre. Artists from different areas of Masvingo Province, including rural Nemamwa, peri-urban Mashava, and urban Masvingo, exhibited their works of art. The event showcased a diverse range of artistic talents, including painters, singers, sculptors, and artisans. Angela’s initiative marked a historic moment, as she became the first young female to organize such a prestigious art exhibition in Masvingo Province.
Honorable Advocate Martin Mureri, a member of parliament representing Masvingo urban, attended the event and commended Angela for her groundbreaking achievement. Masvingo Province has a history of producing exceptional young women, such as Shantel Yeukai Chiwara, who became the youngest and first female mayor of Masvingo City and Zimbabwe at the age of 25.
Former Masvingo City Mayor Chiwara offered words of encouragement to Angela, acknowledging the challenges faced by young females in various fields. She urged Angela to remain resilient and unwavering in her pursuits.
Angela’s success as an award-winning young entrepreneur has garnered international recognition, leading to invitations from organizations in the United States to share her experiences and expertise with fellow young entrepreneurs worldwide.
Honorable Maggie Chakabuda, a renowned businessperson, Masvingo senator, and wife of the late Masvingo City Mayor, expressed her admiration for Angela’s vision and pledged her support. She emphasized the importance of nurturing and empowering educated and visionary young females like Angela.
Over 50 artists participated in the exhibition, showcasing their remarkable artwork. Mr. Solomon Imbayago, an art lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, offered his technical expertise and guidance to Angela and her team.
Zimbabwe Tertiary Education’s thrust has 5.0 aspects: that is students and lecturers should fulfill 5 issues namely: Education, Research, Community Engagement,Innovation and Industrialization. Angela through this project has addressed this 5 critical issues.
Angela seized the opportunity to request the assistance of Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe in providing an art gallery space to exhibit the artists’ works. Mayor Tabe pledged his support and promised to liaise with Masvingo City councillors and management to facilitate this initiative.
The event also shed light on the issue of drug abuse, particularly in Ward 1, as highlighted by Councillor Sabina Chikwangwani. Angela pledged to extend her awareness programs to Ward 1, aiming to combat the pervasive problem of drug abuse among men, boys, and females.
Honorable Matara, a proportional representative parliamentarian and former teacher, called upon the government, business community, and stakeholders to provide financial and material support for Angela’s innovative project.
Angela expressed her gratitude to the European Union, the Ministry of Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and other supporting organizations for their invaluable contributions to her project.
Mr. Chivhanga, representing people with disabilities, applauded the inclusive nature of art and the exhibition, which featured the remarkable works of artists with disabilities. He emphasized that art provides employment opportunities, contributing to the eradication of poverty and unemployment in Zimbabwe.
With one artifact priced at $700 US, the exhibition highlighted the potential economic value of the artists’ creations. The artists themselves expressed their desire for further training in areas such as professionalism, financial management, and marketing.
Tambudzai Phiri, Angela’s best friend, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and extended blessings to all the attendees.
The event drew more than 150 participants, including Angela’s mother and family members, business community members, church leaders, Legal Foundation lawyers, distinguished guests such as Member of Parliament Advocate Martin Mureri, Senator Maggie Chakabuda, Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe, Ward 1 councillor Sabina Chikwangwani, ward 7 councillor Tafara Masimba, Councillor Bernard Muchokwa ward 9, Masvingo United Residents Association Board Chairperson Mr Thomas Mbetu, Leader of people with disabilities Mr Chivhanga, Dikwindi Primary School Development Committee Chairperson Mr Peace Mapope, Masvingo Junior Primary School Development Committee Mr Jonah Wakurakurehwa, youth leader Desire Struggle Nyahunda, politicians across political divide, men and women.
Angela’s groundbreaking art exhibition not only provided a platform for talented male artists to showcase their work but also raised awareness about the challenges they face and the importance of supporting men and boys in society. Her initiative has set a precedent for promoting cultural entrepreneurship and empowering artists in Masvingo Province.
As Angela continues her journey of making a positive impact on the lives of men and boys, she serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs and community leaders around the world. Her dedication to human rights and her innovative approach to addressing social issues through art demonstrate the power of individual initiative and community engagement.
