By Trevor Makonyonga
Local authorities in Zimbabwe have for so long been embroiled in corrupt activities at the expense of good service delivery in communities. There have been cases of backdoor stand allocations, missing funds and lack of accountability in the councils.
Trailblazing comedians, Bustop TV has introduced a series that seeks to confront the perceptions and misconceptions that residents have about local authorities.
Now on its third episode, Masystem has so far been tackled issues like public reluctance to developmental issues, use of the constitution development fund (CDF), illegal stand allocations and accountability from councillors and legislators.
In an interview, Masystem producer, Lucky Aaroni said that the series is meant to raise awareness on the role of the councillors and MPs.
“This series is meant to raise awareness of the role of MP and councillor. We are focusing on how certain people can participate in the fight against corruption and get involved in governance issues from community levels.”
Aaroni also talked about how journalists can be involved in the fight against corruption in their communities.
“Also the series speaks on how journalists and community can work together in communities to fight corruption using newsletter concept,” he said.
This series sees less of the satire work that is synonymous with Bustop TV but is more direct.
Comic relief is provided by the character of Jedza, played by Derrick Nyizakwi who is a youth and a runner for the MP. Jedza is used to bribe anyone who seems to be progressive or tries to deprive the MP of her selfish corrupt activities.
Samantha Kureya, popularly known as Gonyeti, assumes a more serious role of Mai Dingoz. She is a no-nonsense woman who is giving the MP a hard time. She tries to bring awareness to the very reluctant community on the dangers of being passive.
Then there is a twist which is brought in by Sharon “Maggi” Chideu who is an investigative journalist who seeks to uncover corruption in the local government. She is Jedza’s girlfriend and also Mai Digoz’s friend. She also is giving the MP a torrid time.
Florence Chaurura and Jingo Mukwindidza play the corrupt MP and councillor respectively.
The series also sees other renowned actors like Brezhnev Guvheya and Bob Mutumbi.
Aaroni added that Bustop TV will be coming up with more web series.
“We will be creating more web series and coming up with more concepts. From corruption, access to information,governance, health, relationships , addressing critical society issue and challenges the norms.”
He also revealed that there will be another series likely to kick off after Masystems called Corruptors. The script is already done and it will commence as soon as Masystem ends.
