Namibia’s deputy minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture has declared the arts to be "an industry with potential to grow and generate income”. “It can be a big industry if promoted well", Cde Shifter Pohamba said. The minister, in Zimbabwe for the Southern Africa Youth Festival, made the comments during a tour of the Pakare Paye Arts Centre. Accompanying him on the tour were Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister for Youth Development and Employment Creation, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, and Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Development, Cde Patrick Zhuwawo. An “imposing” community facility still being built in the tiny town of Norton, Pakare Paye Arts Centre is run by best-selling artist Oliver Mtukudzi, and instructs young Zimbabweans in dance, music, drama, poetry, story telling, script writing and film. "Our aim is to make the youths realise their talents and identity”, said Mtukudzi. “We want to help them to balance passion and ability. There are some children who think that they can sing yet they are good dancers.” After the tour, Zimbabwean Ministers pledged to help the Centre fund roofing for its open-air stage. When construction is completed, the centre will also boast a kitchen, a boardroom, a control room, workshops, dressing rooms and a library. The Centre “is to be commended because there is no better way of giving back to the community than this” said Kasukuwere. "We are not investing enough as a country to make this venture successful." For more information, CLICK HERE