GWERU— In a powerful culmination of years of advocacy and artistic development, the Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association (HACA) is preparing for the official launch of its poetry anthology, set for the end of November 2025 in Gweru.
The anthology, titled Nhetsu Dzamanyukira—which translates to “overflowing diverse expression”—is the result of a nationwide initiative launched in April 2025. Through workshops and mentorship, HACA empowered poets with and without disabilities to use poetry as a tool for advocacy and self-expression.
The themes explored include disability rights, climate change, and societal discrimination.
The anthology, whose title translates to “overflowing diverse expression,” is a monumental step toward fostering inclusivity within Zimbabwe’s literary scene. It features the creative work of 19 Zimbabwean poets, including 10 artists living with diverse disabilities, and has been meticulously transcribed into Braille to ensure complete accessibility for visually-impaired readers.
The anthology features a total of 154 poems contributed by individual poets, including six collaborative pieces. Transcribed into Braille, the 209-page collection ensures accessibility for visually impaired readers and reflects HACA’s commitment to inclusive literary expression.
The project directly addresses the critical need for diversity in the arts. The resulting collection, spanning 154 poems across 209 pages, delves into vital national and global issues. Core themes explored by the poets include disability rights, climate change, and persistent societal discrimination, offering readers a rich and often challenging reality of lived experiences.
The Project Coordinator, Siphosami Ndlovu, said the project bridges crucial gaps in representation.
“We’re proud to showcase the talents of poets whose voices have long been underrepresented. Nhetsutetsu Dzamanyukira is a testament to their strength and creativity, and the Braille translation ensures full accessibility, bridging the gap between different audiences,” said Ndlovu.
The journey to the launch began in April 2025 with extensive outreach and a series of transformative workshops at Chaplin High School. These sessions were designed to equip approximately 30 participants, both with and without disabilities, with specialised skills in inclusive language, human rights advocacy, and literary expression.
Moses Magazine, HACA’s internal disability inclusive advisor, highlighted the foundational role of this training.
“Storytelling fosters a culture of acceptance, dignity, and empowerment, ultimately amplifying the voices of individuals with disabilities in the pursuit of their human rights,” Magazine explained.
Dumisani Ndlovu, HACA’s Executive Director, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the European Union Zimbabwe Delegation for their instrumental support.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the European Union Zimbabwe Delegation for the quality of help towards supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. The acknowledgement would not be sufficient without mentioning Bulawayo-based Disability Arts Culture Zw and Gweru-based Koolnet Productions and Jutan Printers,” said Ndlovu.
He added, “I am optimistic the book will sail through the Curriculum Development Unit and be adopted either in Ordinary Level, Advanced Level, or even tertiary level. I am confident in the quality of work being exhibited in the book.”
HACA is working in partnership with the Zimbabwe International Disability Inclusive Arts and Culture Festival and the National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe to host the launch event. The celebration will include live readings, panel discussions, and media engagement, all aimed at fostering dialogue around literary inclusivity and disability empowerment.
The upcoming launch event in November 2025 is expected to be a major cultural occasion. HACA is collaborating closely with the Zimbabwe International Disability Inclusive Arts and Culture Festival and the National Council for Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe to ensure the event is vibrant and impactful.
The public ceremony will feature author readings, panel discussions focused on literary inclusivity and disability rights, and extensive media promotion designed to foster widespread community dialogue.
While initial plans included separate English and Shona anthologies, funding constraints led HACA to prioritise the Shona volume and its Braille transcription.
“We hope to resume work on the English edition and additional volumes of Braille once sufficient funds are secured,” Ndlovu said.
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