Malawi government gets tough on BCC usage

The Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture through the Department of Culture has said that from now onwards artists will be allowed to use the Blantyre Cultural Centre (BCC) once they make full payments.

The move comes up following many artists failing to make payments in time once given the go ahead to use the venue while others have gone on to fly adverts for their shows to perform at the venue without getting the necessary consent.

Deputy Director of Culture Lovemore Mazibuko said on Friday that they have now gotten tough on the BCC use and have since said that artists should use the necessary channels to book for the venue.

"Our appeal to all artists wishing to use BCC is that, by all means, they should first secure the venue and pay for it in full before they start flying adverts in the papers, radios or television stations to avoid last minute disappointments," said Mazibuko.

He said the venue is still under rehabilitation but they decided to open it up to artists but many have not been following the procedures.

"From now onwards, we will only mark and save the dates once payment has been done. BCC is the most convenient and most affordable venue in Blantyre and for artists to continue enjoying this facility there is need that we work together to sustain the place. This can be done if artists meet their obligations," he said.

Mazibuko added that some artists have, on their own, determined BCC as venue for their shows even without seeking clearance or securing the venue by first making advanced payment and that some of them have even gone ahead engaging international artists without first paying for the venue.

"This puts us in an awkward situation because we feel duty bound to allow them to perform on the understanding that they will pay later but they end up not fulfilling their promise and this is very worrisome," he said.

Mazibuko said the government on its part is committed to supporting artists in the country and that the venue was open to all artists for use provided they follow the right channels and make payments.

"As you might be aware, the amphi theatre was recently rehabilitated and it has since been opened to public for use. We want all artists to use it and we are thankful to the Royal Norwegian government for their generous support and we also have had support from other well wishers," he said.

While the rehabilitation of the venue has taken ages which has forced some artists to voice out their concern, the deputy director of culture said the government set aside an initial sum of about K75 million in this year's budget which is to be used to rehabilitate the main building.

"The ministry is already working on this issue with relevant government ministries and departments. We want artists to benefit from this centre and that is why we are doing everything possible to put it back in its right shape," said Mazibuko.

The centre which recently hosted the Easter Theatre Festival is still in pathetic state with so many areas yet to be serviced including electricity and water.

Mazibuko revealed that the BCC which the government bought from the French government before it was ransacked was still experiencing vandalism despite having security.

"For instance, on several occasions, we have had thieves vandalising water pipes, toilet cisterns and window panes, among others. So this is putting us down on progress," he said.