Puppets of drama take Bulawayo by storm

The inspirational puppets which she created have rocked Bulawayo, and are an inspiration to both elders and youth mostly of school going age.

Nanzile introduced a rare creation of dissemination of information through a non-resistible approach of fun and humour.

The first puppet drama ZDDT News watched depicted the abuse of Council facilities by unscrupulous people.

The other, which this Correspondent thought is the most powerful, being that of not ignoring the effects of climate change.

Above: The audience at Luveve Arts Centre.

In the drama, Nanzile expressed outright effects of pollution from veldt-fires, and un-serviced vehicles. The importance of tree growing to curb carbon monoxide was also unveiled in one of the acts.

In the drama, Nanzile played the character of a talkative Masibanda, a woman who challenges the local Councillor and his neighbour Phiri.  Masibanda competes with the nonstop talking Munyasaland. Munyasaland Banda who constantly interrupts her to have his say about non-performing Councillors.

Asked how she created these characters, Nanzile credited her partner Bongani Mabika, who is a visual Artist, for helping with the scripts.

Above: Nanzile and partner Bongani working on a script.

The couple have to date carried out a number of road shows campaigning and informing the public of the dangers of hiding one’s HIV status. They have also been inspirational to more than 500 Bulawayo young boys who they convinced to get circumcised, and also go for HIV tests to determine their status.

The most amazing thing is that Nanzile’s partner is negative, but they are happily enjoying their relationship. Nanzile in her appeal, requested ZDDT for assistance in her endeavour to carry out the ‘puppet dramas of hope’ to the most remote areas of Matabeleland.

“I am appealing to you ZDDT, for assistance on my project which I think if I receive help, I will spread the good works of your leadership and green life activities, which need artistic way of broadcasting,” said Nanzile.

She also told ZDDT News that if ever she got help from the Geraldine Roche, she will dedicate her energy to Youth Advocacy on climate change and cleanliness for our province and beyond.

ZDDT aims to ‘improve the lives of ordinary people’, and assisting Nanzile and Bongo with their motivational and inspirational work will go a long way to assisting them continue with their good work.