Artists query appointment of arts council director

Nompumelelo Damba

A local arts organisation, Nhimbe Trust, has approached the Minister of Youth, Arts, Sport and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry, seeking the annulment of the appointment of Mr Nicholas Moyo, as the new director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ).

Moyo, who was previously deputy director, was elevated in August to lead the council following the resignation of Elvas Mari.

Nhimbe Trust, allege, the Board of Directors did not follow laid down procedures in filling up the vacancy.

“We are concerned by the improper tradition that has been set of simply elevating officials in the National Arts Council without regard to sound human resources practices of seeking the best qualified for the job,” said Nhimbe Trust Executive Director, Mr Joshua Nyampimbi.

“The attitude of a broad range of creative civil society, which we belong to holds the view that the staff complement of the Council does not possess the ideal skills and competences required by the Director’s post.

Nyapimbi added: “We have long advocated for the alignment of the National Arts Council Act to the Constitution, whose need is now more urgent. We therefore expect that the Council will, in filling the Director’s vacancy, observe and uphold the requirements of good governance stipulated in sections 3(1)(h), 9 of the Constitution and particularly section 194(1)(k) which provides that “employment practices must be based on merit, ability, objectivity, fairness …”

Nyampimbi said they the council Implement the provisions of clause 17 of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Bill that was passed by Parliament which require the post of Director to be filled by public advertisement, interviews, ministerial approval and Presidential consent of the result, as well as clauses 23 and 24 that require the new Director to conclude a performance contract and strategic plans with the Board.

“These provisions would enhance good  governance and supersede the archaic National Arts Council Act’s process which is via the Civil Service Commission and the Finance Ministry’s approval,” said Nyapimbi.

Nyapimbi urged Minister Coventry to publicise the process which was followed in Moyo`s appointment and the steps to be taken if it out found out that the appointment was not done according to the law.