The event drew 13 teachers’ colleges and six polytechnics who were vying for prizes in various arts categories which included visual arts, Jerusalem dance, modelling and choral music.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Washington Mbizvo was guest of honour at the event. TIFAZ medals were awarded to founding members who include the chairperson Atanas Ruzive, Charles Jiri and Josphat Mufute who are members of the national executive committee.
In his speech, Mbizvo applauded the TIFAZ committee for coming up with an initiative which nurtures different talents found within its institutions and called on captains of industry to identify and adopt talented artistes in order to enhance their own businesses. “I am glad you are striving to call for the development of the nation through arts.
This debunks the mis-notion that arts are preserved for the less
intellectually gifted. There is no greater source of self reliance as
this, in this present moment when the nation focuses on indigenisation
and empowerment,” he said.In an interview TIFAZ chairman Ruzive said the festival went well and they were happy with the response they got from participating institutions as well as locals who supported the two day event.
Bulawayo Polytechnic came first in the fashion design competition, while Harare Polytechnic won the visual arts categories after they came first in graphic and textile design, drawing and painting. Harare Polytechnic also scooped the overall top prize in food and culinary arts. Masvingo Polytechnic was best in three-dimensional art and also got awards in drawing and painting.
In the teachers’ colleges competitions, Mkoba Teachers’ College,
appearing for the first time, scooped the best overall price in visual
arts. Nyadire Teachers’ College was first in three-dimensional art.
Morgan Zintec College won the first prize in fashion design and their
display caught the attention of the Permanent Secretary, who commended
them in his address.
Traditional music and dance competitions got much of the attention
from the many fans who were present. Seke Teachers’ College came first
in the Mbende/Jerusarema dance with Morgan Zintec College coming second.
Masvingo Teachers’ and Morgenster Teachers’ colleges came first and
second respectively, in the mbira music competition.
Morgan Zintec College students proved their talent when they won the
marimba competition as well as coming second and third in the African
folk music and electric band competitions.
The African folk music competition was won by Mutare Polytechnic, who
came second in the electric band competition. The first prize in the
electric band competition went to Gweru Polytechnic.
Mkoba and Madziwa Teachers’ colleges came first and second
respectively in the poetry competition. Bondolfi Teachers’ College beat
all teachers’ colleges in traditional foods display. Meanwhile, in the
fashion show and modelling, Masvingo Teachers’ College’s Kudakwashe
Chivhanga was crowned the Miss TIFAZ 2013 after outclassing 19
contestants while Onias Ronjezani of Morgan Zintec College was crowned
Mr TIFAZ 2013 after outclassing 19 other contestants.
