Langalakhe Mabena
DEMONSTRATING its commitment to fostering the local arts scene, the philanthropic foundation Hope Restorers Academy has generously purchased 50 tickets to the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAA), providing eligible individuals with the opportunity to witness this celebration of artistic excellence.
The Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAA), a glamorous red carpet affair, will grace the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) on 25 November, transforming the venue into a star-studded spectacle.
The tickets will be given to deserving creatives who meet the specified criteria: “young and aspiring talents from Bulawayo who are unable to afford a ticket due to financial constraints, and passionate elders who wish to witness this celebration of artistic excellence”
Aspiring creatives and art enthusiasts are encouraged to claim the sponsored tickets by 18 November to secure their place at this momentous celebration of artistic excellence.
Founder and director of the Hope Restorers Academy Mitchell “Mimi” Tshuma, a business woman based in Birmingham, United Kingdom, said the tickets donation is in line with their philanthropic work which is to provide support and assistance to different age groups including youths.
“We are all about lending a hand where we can, especially if it has to do with young people and the elderly. We discovered that Bulawayo has a lot of talent but most young artistes can’t afford to buy a ticket to attend the RoilBAAs.
“We then came up with this initiative to give someone out there a chance to attend this glamorous event and we hope they will create everlasting memories,” said Mimi, who is the director of Azari Consultancy, Jenga Buildings and MMT Enterprise Group.
She also said that her upbringing at the modest Sotshangane Flats exposed her to a lot of different creatives, which led to her admiring Bulawayo arts.
“I grew up in an environment which values arts and craft. I am from Sotshangane Flats but I can relate with Mzilikazi and Makokoba, a place where a lot of my friends who are artistes hail from.
“There is a need for us black people to support our own craft before it’s even appreciated overseas. Hope Restorers concurs with RoilBAA’s vision of empowering our own artistes, that’s why we chipped in,” said Mimi.
Last month, Mimi under Hope Restorers, extended her patronage work as she donated a borehole and adopted 50 underprivileged pupils at her former school; Losikeyi Primary.
The donation of the borehole came at a time when Bulawayo is facing a water crisis.
All the adopted children were gifted with brand new backpacks. On taking care of the adopted children’s school fees, she is helped by her best friend Jacqueline “Jackie” Ntaka who is also a trustee at the Hope Restorers Academy.
