Shockson Appointed Mashonaland West Arts Deputy Director
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n Gweru - The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has appointed Midlands Province Arts and Culture Officer, Reward Shockson, as Deputy Director (Provincial Head) for Mashonaland West Province, effective
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru - The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has appointed Midlands Province Arts and Culture Officer, Reward Shockson, as Deputy Director (Provincial Head) for Mashonaland West Province, effective January 2026.
The appointment was confirmed through a directive issued by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and ratified by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reflecting the government’s renewed focus on strengthening provincial leadership in arts, culture and heritage administration.
The promotion is in terms of Section 203(1)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 20) of 2013, read together with the Public Service Act (Chapter 16:04).
A former teacher, Shockson began his public service career under the local government system, serving as Zvishavane District Arts and Culture Officer from 2015 to 2016.
From 2017 to 2018, he was Provincial Arts and Culture Administrator in the Midlands Province, before being transferred to the Ministry of Youth in 2018, where he served as Arts and Culture Officer until 2024.
He continued in the same role from 2024 to 2025 under the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Shockson is a senior professional in social development and cultural heritage promotion, with almost a decade of experience in public service, cultural programming and community-based arts initiatives.
He is widely respected for his leadership, objectivity, integrity, diplomacy and coordination skills.
Academically, he holds a Master of Social Sciences in Development Studies from Zimbabwe Open University (2019–2020), a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Midlands State University (2013–2015), and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies from Midlands State University (2005–2009).
He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Social Work (2023–2027).
Mr Shockson began his professional journey as a District Arts administrator in Zvishavane, where he championed youth theatre, performance poetry and heritage education programmes, particularly within underserved communities.
His work emphasised the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into contemporary arts practice.
During his tenure in Midlands Province, he worked closely with Midlands National Arts Council Manager, Ms Farai Kupfavira to identify, mentor and formally inspire emerging poets like those from the High Voltage Poets collective for tertiary education support.
Through coordinated engagement with national stakeholders and event platforms, specific members of the collective secured scholarships from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, enabling them to enrol at Midlands State University, where they pursued and continue to pursue studies in Political Science, Peace and Security Studies and Law.
Shockson has also played a key role in the establishment and growth of the Zimbabwe International Disability Arts and Culture (ZIDIAC) Festival, where he serves on the Advisory Council.
The festival has acknowledged his contribution to governance development, inclusive programming and the promotion of disability inclusive arts and intangible cultural heritage.
He has, as well, worked alongside National Arts Council of Zimbabwe programmes officer Honour Muvango in shaping the intended festival’s institutional and community outreach framework.
Image Modelling Agency Director who is also Hodzeko Arts and Culture Board Chairperson, Mavis Koslek, described Mr Shockson as a leader who combines strong academic grounding with practical experience in cultural administration and programme delivery.
Mashonaland West Province, where Mr Shockson will assume his new responsibilities, is home to major cultural and heritage assets, including Chinhoyi Caves, as well as extensive networks of traditional artists, artisans and performers.
In his new role, he will oversee provincial arts and culture programmes, heritage preservation initiatives and recreational activities aligned with national development priorities.
During his early service in Zvishavane District, Mr Shockson supported the development of the Shabani Culture Centre, led by cultural practitioner Mugiya, and was instrumental in advancing the Zvishavane Gospel Expo, which utilised talent shows to identify, nurture and promote emerging gospel musicians and performers.
In Gokwe, Shockson is credited as the architect of government-funded cultural infrastructure projects, most notably the establishment of the Shangwe Cultural Village in Chief Chireya’s area.
The project was designed to preserve Shangwe cultural heritage while creating a sustainable space for cultural tourism, skills transfer and community participation.
He also played a leading role in the development of another cultural village in Nembudziya, further expanding access to structured cultural spaces in marginalised rural communities.
