By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
Home of Arts Entertainment Director, Happy Mpofu, has been appointed as Interim Board Member of the Zimbabwe Youth Arts Award (ZYAA), a move that marks a significant milestone for the city’s creative sector.
The announcement, made on 17 August 2025, places Mpofu at the heart of Zimbabwe’s arts governance as he takes up the roles of Deputy Executive Director and Director of Compliance and Nominations. The interim board has been tasked with driving the growth of the prestigious awards over the next six months while ensuring they continue to uplift the nation’s creative landscape.
Mpofu’s appointment is seen as recognition of his vast experience in arts management, youth empowerment, and community engagement. He has long been a vocal advocate for young people’s participation in governance and creative development, and his new role is expected to amplify those efforts on a national scale.
Speaking after his appointment, Mpofu described the role as both a personal and professional achievement, noting its importance in shaping Zimbabwe’s cultural future.
“I am deeply honored to take on these roles within the Zimbabwe Youth Arts Award. This is more than a personal achievement, it is an opportunity to contribute towards shaping the future of our creative sector and ensuring that young artists are celebrated, supported, and empowered."
“Together, we can build a thriving arts community that reflects the richness and diversity of Zimbabwean talent," he said
The Zimbabwe Youth Arts Award has grown into one of the country’s leading platforms for recognizing and celebrating the creativity of young people. With Mpofu now part of its leadership, stakeholders in the arts sector say they expect stronger advocacy for talent development and broader opportunities for youth involvement in the industry.
Mpofu’s appointment has been welcomed as a strategic step in strengthening Zimbabwe’s cultural footprint while ensuring that the nation’s next generation of artists have sustainable platforms to showcase their talent.
His inclusion in the ZYAA leadership is also a source of pride for Bulawayo, further cementing the city’s role as a hub of cultural excellence and innovation in Zimbabwe.
