Celebrating and Promoting Artistic Excellence in Zimbabwe: Announcing the First Recipients of the SSADZA Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harare, 27 March 2025 – The Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe, supported by Stimulus Africa Foundation, the Fund Manager for the SSADZA Fund, are pleased to announce the awardees for the First Open Call of the  Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) Fund.

We are delighted to announce the results of a thorough review process that evaluated an impressive pool of over 300 applications for the first open call. The selected projects speak directly to the goal of the fund, that is  to support new, original creative works and artistic showcases. 

The exceptional artistic initiatives selected provide a variety of artistry including;

  • Film – A short film featuring a multi-generational cast and crew that addresses important cultural issues
  • Music – Supporting music festivals that highlight musicians with disabilities as well as celebrate culture through music
  • Collaborations – An artistic collaboration combine poetry, digital art and fashion.

The Awardees list is as follows;

Individual Artist Awards

  • Makanaka Mavengere
  • Jesese Mungoshi
  • Steven Chigorimbo
  • Charlene Mangweni-Furusa,
  • Thuthkani Ndlovu,
  • Chipo Muchegwa
  • Pauline Gundidza
  • Sithandazile Gumbo
  • Vuyo Brown
  •  Jacqueline Mpofu.

Arts Organization Award

  • POVO Afrika
  • Ndau Festival of the Arts (NdaFA)

We extend our congratulations to the awardees and are encouraged by the positive response to the fund so far. The future of Zimbabwean arts is bright, and we are excited to be part of its growth.

Note: More details to follow on the individual projects supported

Opportunities with SSADZA Fund

We acknowledge the immense talent across Zimbabwe’s creative sector and appreciate the effort put into each application. Unfortunately, not everyone could be selected in this round. However, this is just the beginning!  The SSADZA Fund will issue two calls per year for the next four years, so the next call could be yours!

To support aspiring applicants, the Embassy of Switzerland and Stimulus Africa Foundation will organise an Application Process Workshop, whereby we will outline key requirements and tips to improve the chances of securing funding through SSADZA Fund.

For more information, contact:

Richard Nyamanhindi, Communication and Culture Officer – Embassy of Switzerland I Email: richardnyamanhindi@eda.admin.chPhone: +263 24 2703997


Stimulus Grant Management Team:
Email: Impact@stimulusafrica.com | WhatsApp: +263777887112For updates on the SSADZA Fund and other upcoming opportunities, please follow @StimulusAfrica and the Swiss Embassy on social media or visit our website on: https://www.stimulusafrica.com/opportunities-creative-economy-swissfund/

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