Staff Writer
HARARE / JOHANNESBURG — One of Zimbabwe’s most influential theatre practitioners, Daves Guzha, is set to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Southern Africa Producers & Artistic Directors Conference, to be held 5–7 September 2025 at the historic Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Guzha, the driving force behind Rooftop Promotions’ Theatre in the Park—a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s creative arts scene—is among a powerful lineup of visionaries shaping the future of performance and production across the region.
This high-profile conference, themed “Unlocking Economic Growth in Southern Africa’s Creative Industry – A Producers and Artistic Directors’ Perspective,” seeks to spark dialogue and foster strategic collaboration across borders.
The event will bring together top-tier voices from across the SADC region and all nine provinces of South Africa.
Co-hosted by Alex Theatre Company & Academy, Project R, and The Market Theatre Foundation, with support from the National Arts Council and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the gathering marks a critical moment in Southern Africa’s creative evolution.
Creative Leaders on Centre Stage
Alongside Guzha, the speaker roster features a rich blend of regional voices, including:
Gregg Homann, Market Theatre (South Africa)
Kevin Kahuro, Kenya National Theatre
Napo Masheane, South African theatre-maker and cultural activist
Bobby Rodwell, Director at Mehlo-Maya (South Africa)
Facilitated by Ismail Mohamed from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, the conference will host panel discussions on critical topics such as:
Sustainable funding models
Audience development strategies
Cultural policy frameworks
Regional and international co-productions
“This is more than a gathering — it’s the beginning of a collaborative movement,” says Mpho Molepo, Project Manager and Artistic Director of the Alex Theatre Company & Academy.
“We are bringing together leaders who can influence real change, and together, we will unlock the creative sector’s full potential for economic and cultural growth.”
Despite budget constraints, each SADC country will be represented by a single delegate, ensuring equity and impact.
All nine South African provinces will also participate, reflecting a strong national commitment to artistic innovation.
Southern Africa’s creative economy holds untapped potential to stimulate job creation, cultural tourism, and global recognition.
But the sector continues to face systemic challenges—fragmented networks, unreliable funding, and underdeveloped infrastructure.
By providing a dedicated space for strategy-sharing and partnership-building, the Southern Africa Producers & Artistic Directors Conference aims to empower cultural leaders to reshape narratives, mobilise resources, and co-create a sustainable future for the arts.
Event Snapshot:
📅 Date: 5–7 September 2025
📍 Venue: The Market Theatre, Johannesburg, South Africa
🎭 Hosted by: Alex Theatre Company & Academy, Project R, Market Theatre Foundation
🎟️ Theme: Unlocking Economic Growth in Southern Africa’s Creative Industry
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