Mavima hails Jesesi Mungoshi
PUBLIC Service, Labour and Social Welfare minister Paul Mavima and Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation deputy minister Tinomudaishe Machakaire yesterday paid a courtesy call on veteran actress Jesesi Mungoshi at her Chitungwiza home.
Mavima said it was important for society to value artists as they played a critical role in nationbuilding.
He acknowledged that the movie Neria — in which Mungoshi played the lead role — had become a benchmark for Zimbabwean films and acknowledged the actress’ late husband Charles as a legend.
"The name Neria represents the legend that you became. Neria the movie continues to be a benchmark of Zimbabwean movies. What is also interesting is that this house has two legends. Charles was a legend in his own right," he said.
The minister said the visit, during which he donated groceries worth over $5 000, was also meant to enhance the visibility of a recently launched programme through which government sought to support artists and sports personalities.
"Last week we launched a programme to support artistes and sportsmen. To improve visibility of this we thought of visiting legends first. We have a few goods that we brought to give you as a symbol of what government is doing. The main aim is to let Zimbabweans realise the value of artistes and spokespersons in nation building,” he said.
Machakaire said the government saw it necessary to visit and hear Mungoshi’s concerns.
“Minister Mavima saw it fit to support talented Zimbabweans who raised the country's flag high. Growing up I saw the good works you were doing. May you pass on the talent to others, teaching them to be good artistes. It gives us a good name," he said.
Mungoshi expressed gratitude for the visit and donation, saying the COVID-19 lockdown had stalled her projects.
“I want to thank you for the good work that was done. Surely COVID-19 locked us in houses and all the projects were locked. Just before the lockdown on March 21, I had been cast as the main character in a Nigerian film and then came the lockdown on March 30,” she said.
"When I joined (Charles) Mungoshi that's when I became an actor. Since that time we have been chasing that name Neria. Youths see me as rich as (Strive) Masiyiwa. My husband died still chasing that name. I am really grateful with what you have done.”
She urged the government to support artists so that the corporate world would also buy in.
"In other countries, the government chips in with 10% of any project. And that's a lot. We can't really say we have an industry... there could be an SUV car outside. Right now I lost my phone while in a kombi," she said.
Mungoshi's eldest son, Farai, thanked the ministers for supporting the family.
“I want to thank you for coming and showing support for the family. It has been a struggle like what she (Jesesi) said, chasing the name. Through film we will make the Zimbabwe we want. Let's tell our own story. I am grateful you have come, now we have the chance to do it,” he said.