BY TAFADZWA KACHIKO
MBARE Edutainment Festival’s Meifest Culture Expo — is set to honour the late anti-Rhodesian feminist and social worker, Elizabeth Maria Ayema, popularly known as Mai Musodzi during this year’s edition slated for May 24.
Hosted annually by the Simba Arts Trust, this year’s edition is running under the theme: Ubuntu — Because of HER We Can.
Simba Arts administrator Jo-Anne Tenga described Mai Musodzi as a very influential heroine who epitomised the ubuntu philosophy through her philanthropic initiatives.
“The values she imparted on our society are what we are ingrained with to this day. She was a very beautiful and caring woman who loved to pass on knowledge, not only to her family, but anyone else she came across. A number of people benefited from her several initiatives,” she said.
“Simba Arts Trust draws its strength of being from working for the community unconditionally. We have been using Mai Musodzi hall since 1997 and we are still using the venue.”
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The festival, she said, would also celebrate the role of women in their families such as fostering unity.
“By her, we are acknowledging all women, Zimbabwean or African, and mostly from Mbare township. We all know how much hustle or struggle these women go through on a daily basis. They strive to make our families thrive and remain intact. If it weren’t for women, our families and communities wouldn’t be as connected or strong,” she said.
Tenga told NewsDay Life & Style that preparations for the fiesta were at an advanced stage.
“We are left with coming up the programme of activities on the day and engaging some of our partners for logistics. About 20 dancehall musicians, who featured on our Ubuntu Riddim produced by PTK last year, will grace the occasion,” she said.
Groups such as Gwevedzi, Mbanganga Dance Troupe, Simba Arts Dudley Hall School, Zvidzai Chirikure, Brightman Mubayiwa, Tambengoma Ensemble, New Generation Stars theatre and Young Artists Development School from Bulawayo will also participate.