Manganya plans education soapie
Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Minister Michael Usi, popularly known as Manganya in the creative industry, Monday underlined his love for art when he revealed that he would be back with a soapie.
Usi said, aside from being a Cabinet minister, he would continue to use his talent to tackle issues affecting society.
“Art is a powerful tool for bringing about change. Art is not only for entertainment. Before I was appointed Minister, I was already an artist and and I will continue to use art for a cause,” Usi said.
He said it was in this vein that he had embarked on a soapie production project.
“People should just watch the space. I am spending my financial resources on this soapie. Those that would like to come in and support the initiative are welcome. We have started shooting and, soon, people will enjoy the soapie— which has a cast of experienced actors,” Usi said.
The soapie, he added, would tackle issues such as hygiene, natural resources conservation, health and transport.
“We, as Malawians, need to change the way we do things.
“However, this can only happen when there is enough civic education and, as such, I am using art to achieve this. Most of the things we are discussing in the soapie are happening on the ground. On hygiene, we have people who throw things anyhow; this habit should stop. We also have people that waste time chatting on the roads,” Usi said.
The soapie also sheds light on such issues as kabaza [bicycle] transport, rape and defilement.
“The media reported recently that 860 people died in kabaza accidents in 2020 and, yet, bicycle taxis ease mobility challenges. We, therefore, need to civic-educate people on this,” Usi said.
Apart from Usi, some of the actors who are part of the cast include Ruth Simika, popularly known as Make Sikono, Margaret Chikwembeya, Frank Yalu, Jeremiah Mwaungulu and Mafumu Matiki.
