ZNTDA Rubbishes Tansh Disqualification Challenge in Chibuku Neshamwari Midlands Competition, Declares Zero Tolerance for Cheating

Harare - The Zimbabwe National Traditional Dancers Association (ZNTDA) has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on cheating in the Chibuku NeShamwari Traditional Dance Competition, saying the integrity of the annual contest will not be compromised regardless of a group's status or past achievements.

The association's response follows public criticism by Gweru-based Tansh Kwayedza Edutainment after the group was disqualified from the Midlands provincial finals for allegedly breaching the competition's constitution.

Speaking to Kwedu News, ZNTDA Executive Director and President, Kennedy Kachuruka, said the association would not tolerate any attempts to undermine the credibility of the competition.

"The Chibuku NeShamwari Traditional Dance Competition is governed by a constitution which every participating group agrees to abide by.

"We have zero tolerance for cheating at both provincial and national level. Anyone found violating the rules will face the prescribed disciplinary action, regardless of who they are," he said.

Kachuruka said the association exists to promote genuine traditional dance groups and protect the integrity of the festival.

"We must not forget that we have zero tolerance for cheating. We promote genuine groups, not fly-by-night groups.

"Hiring dancers from other groups is against the spirit of the competition and the festival. Any group found wanting will be disqualified without fear or favour," he said.

He added that allowing groups to recruit dancers from outside their province disadvantages established local groups and undermines the objectives of the competition.

"While some individuals may be highly skilled choreographers and performers, recruiting them from outside the province deprives local groups of their rightful opportunity to compete in their own province.

"That is the highest degree of cheating, and we do not accept it," Kachuruka said.

His remarks come after Tansh Kwayedza Edutainment challenged its disqualification, arguing that organisers had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support allegations that the group recruited dancers from outside Midlands Province.

Tansh Director, Anne Homu, denied the allegations, saying the group's decision to camp in Kwekwe before the provincial finals was purely for logistical convenience and not to recruit dancers from outside the province.

She also alleged that the competition's outcome had been predetermined.

Competition organisers maintain that the disqualification was made in accordance with the competition's constitution.