Zimbabwean Government Bans Photographers, Swaziland Style, Bare Breast Exhibition

THE Censorship Board in Zimbabwe has banned a bare breast exhibition by a Bulawayo based photographer and author.

Crispen Nldovu said the exhibition, which would have women showing off their bosom, was meant to celebrate the African culture, where women used to walk topless in the olden days.

The exhibition was also meant to coincide with breast cancer awareness month.

Determined to hold the exhibition, Ndlovu formally wrote to the censors in June seeking clearance.

Ndlovu intended to hold the exhibition from July 28 to August 3 at the Bulawayo National Art Gallery.

But, in a letter to Ndlovu, the censors said the exhibition had been banned and prohibited in the country.

“Please be advised that the Board was convened to consider your application and recommended that the exhibition be banned and prohibited in Zimbabwe for the showing of bare breasts in Zimbabwe,” said Issac Chiranganyika, the board’s acting secretary.

In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, Ndlovu said the decision to ban his show was a political move meant to silence the voice of the people.

“This is a political move that is meant to silence people who are not in favour of the government of the day.

“Mbende Jerusalema dance, which is being done by primary school pupils is even worse that what the exhibition intended to showcase,” said Ndlovu.

He said there was need to reform the board as it was now old fashioned and not in tune with the current trends.

The board has in the past banned artistic works in the country, including Owen Maseko’s Gukurahundi inspired exhibition.

Despite the honorable president Mugabe attending a previous bare breast celebration in South Africa, his government has learnt they won’t want such an exhibition in Zimbabwe. At this moment it probably works best, with the consistent media attacks on the Zimbabwean government, such an event could be more fuel to discredit them in the public eye.

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe (L) chats with King Mswati III during the annual Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, the royal palace in Swaziland August 30, 2010. During the eight day ceremony, virgin girls cut reeds and present them to the queen mother. The Reed Dance also allows King Mswati III to choose a wife if he wishes. Mswati currently has 13 wives. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SWAZILAND – Tags: SOCIETY)

Source: newzimbabwe.com