By John Mokwetsi

ZIMBABWEAN artists have failed to champion the fight against prejudices and are not forthcoming when it comes to disclosing their HIV status to their fans and the public in general.

Last month Exposing the World spoke to music unions and musicians who all said culture and respect for their privacy were at the centre of how they treat HIV issues.

But new ground seems to have been broken — albeit on a regional level — when artists representing five SADC countries signed a declaration of commitment to the cause of helping artists who are affected.

A workshop held recently by artists culminated in the establishment of the SADC Artists AIDS Support Network (SasNet).

Headed by the Founder and Director of the SADC Artists AIDS Festival (SAAF), Eugene Marillier-Malotana, the SADC Artists AIDS Support Network (SasNet) aims to network with HIV and AIDS Service Organisations in the region, and individual member states of the regional body SADC.

It will also undertake research and provide statistics and data on artists that are living with HIV and AIDS who need Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART), provide information, services and support to artists in general and in particular to artists living with AIDS.

The organisation will seek funding from SADC, national governments and the international community, corporate companies, foundations and individuals to assist artists in dealing with the HIV and AIDS pandemic.

The regional body of SasNet is chaired by Virginia Phiri, a well-known Zimbabwean based author, while Stephen Chifunyise — also popular throughout the SADC region as a leading playwright — serves as committee advisor.

SasNet has already established an artist’s support group which meets regularly to discuss the impact that HIV and AIDS has on the arts industry in general.

"We are very excited that this initiative has taken off in Zimbabwe," said Phiri, chairman of the committee. "Often artists meet and recommendations to carry out such initiatives are initiated, but usually nothing happens when everyone has gone back to their work and their countries. This creates a white elephant of brilliant initiatives that could change the lives of many people, in this case artists who are devastated by the AIDS pandemic" she said.

The director of SasNet has already travelled to Malawi to continue preparations for the festival in that country — which is tentatively scheduled for November/December this year — and negotiations with various leading organisations championing the cause for HIV and AIDS in Malawi have begun.

"We have great work on our hands" said Marillier-Malotana. "Apart from ensuring that the festival takes place in Malawi, we need to ensure the sustainability of the project in Zimbabwe, and the onus is on every single artist to become involved and ensure that this happens."

Marillier-Malotana last month travelled to Tanzania and Zanzibar to discuss the possibility of Tanzania and Zanzibar co-hosting the festival in 2009. Reports are positive and negotiations are underway