The Sunday Mail
JUSTICE Maphosa’s dream could sooner rather than later be blown to smithereens if a combination of lethargy and unhealthy relations amongst his staff is left unchecked.
Maphosa is working tirelessly to raise the bar and bring professionalism to Zimbabwean showbiz, but his efforts could come to naught due to a couple of dodgy and egotistical characters around him.
There seems to be a battle of power and the need to be closer to the boss of BigTime Strategic Group could derail his quest.
Some guys who have been with Maphosa from the start in South Africa appear not so keen to work with new Zimbabwean appointees.
Sabotage is order of the day.
The situation is worsened by the alleged interference of politicians who reportedly want to see him fail after failing to use him as their meal ticket.
The recent Gwanda Gospel Festival bears testimony to this. The annual festival ran from September 1 to 3 at Pelandaba Stadium.
The way logistics were handled left a lot to be desired.
For starters, there was no programme outlining how things would unfold.
On day one, the local and South African media – who were housed in Bulawayo and being transported by the organisers – only made it to around 9.30pm for an event that had started at midday. They were taken back to Bulawayo after one-and-a-half hours on the first day of a three-day festival.
At least that short period allowed them to see the majestic stage and VIP marquee, beautiful lighting, fireworks display, and Hlengiwe Mhlaba and ZCC Mbungo Stars’ performances.
After registering concerns with officials from BigTime Strategic Group, particularly Alson Darikayi, the hope was that things would change for the better for the remainder of the festival.
“I have finalised everything with Alson.
“You should not be having any challenges. I’m sure he is in a position to resolve this,” said Maphosa.
The media had hoped too soon.
The next day the media and some delegates completely missed guest of honour Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko’s meeting and address at Brethren in Christ Church in Gwanda.
All indications were that BigTime staff were more intent on hovering close to the boss over actually doing their work.
An elderly man, who was part of their team even complained why everyone was scrambling to be in Maphosa’s entourage when it was is only logical for a few of you guys to do.
But Darikayi felt everything was spot on.
“We planned the event months before and everything went according to plan. I’m happy with the turnout and all booked performing artistes came. The event was 100 percent successful,” he said.
One wonders if part of the plan was for the transport point-man, a chap going by the name Lucky, to openly refuse to take orders from Darikayi, who had been tasked with dealing with the media and other PR issues.
For instance, Darikayi said the shuttle should leave Bulawayo for Gwanda at 8am on day one, but more than 12 hours passed before the engine was turned on.
“There is no power tussle in our organisation. We are not a political party thus there is no room for power struggle. Everyone knows his role since we have a proper laid out structure,” remarked a diplomatic Darikayi.
But we might be to blame after all.
As for everything being planned months ahead, well, the media only got confirmation of transport arrangements via WhatsApp at 2.36am on August 31 – the departure date!
We won’t even get into the back and forth of ensuing hours until the shuttle finally departed for the City of Kings and Queens.
BigTime Strategic Group has created a reputation as a highly professional organisation. Is this how it should all end?
