Gvt Launches Malawi Artists Welfare Fund

Dr Usi (L) receiving a cheque from Malawi gaming board representatives Dr Usi (L) receiving a cheque from Malawi gaming board representatives

Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Wildlife has Launched Malawi Artists Welfare Fund with an aim of helping artists when they fall sick and happen to be deceased.

The setting up of the artists' fund is coming at a time when most artists have been struggling for support when they are sick.

A recent incident being of William Kachigamba, who needed about 3 million kwacha to access medical treatment for cancer in neighboring Zambia, prompting fellow artist Patience Namadingo to initiate a fundraising activity towards medical expenses.

Speaking at the launch Wednesday morning, Minister responsible, Dr. Micheal Usi said it is appalling that most artists find it difficult to access health care when they fall sick, be it within or outside the country.

Dr, Usi said the fund which will depend on contributions from artists themselves is expected to ease most of the challenges that artists face in the country.

“The coming in of this fund will ease most of the funding woes that we, artists have been facing in times of need. We are hoping that we will no longer be required to go out and beg for assistance in times of need,” said Usi

Malawi Gaming Board Chief Executive Officer, Foster Mulumbe whose organization committed 16 million kwacha towards the fund, said for so long artists have been struggling in times of need hence their gesture.

“We don’t deal directly with artists but whatever they do always plays a critical role in our sector and we thought it wise to set the ball rolling by pumping in 16 million towards this newly established fund,” said Mulumbe.

Films Association of Malawi President who represented all artists in the country, Ezeious Mkandawire said the fund will ease some of the challenges that they face in times of need.

“In other professions, it is likely that when one falls sick, they are likely to be assisted but artists are always at the mercy of individuals asking for assistance. This fund will play a critical role in making sure that artists are assisted in times of need,” said Mkandawire

Malawi has 10 national arts associations and over 10, 000 artists.

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Last modified on Friday, 28/08/2020

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