This was the call from the South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum and the South African Theatre Artists Association when they announced they would be marching to the public protector and justice department’s offices in Tshwane on Thursday.
Bafana Mgijima (36) of the Theatre Artists Association said Motsoeneng had played a major role in uplifting artists. He said Hlaudi’s 90% local music quota was a victory for local artists.
“Most of our musicians died poor because they didn’t get their royalties. Through Hlaudi’s initiative, artists have benefited. They must investigate all SABC board members,” he said.
Youth Forum deputy president Kopano Mokoena (31) said they believed under the leadership of Motsoeneng the SABC had played a huge role in the lives of artists.
“As the artists of this country, we cannot sit down while one of our own is under attack. We are showing solidarity with the SABC and Hlaudi because we believe they have the artists’ best interests at heart,” he said.
Mokoena said they planned to have a night vigil at the State Theatre in Tshwane ahead of Thursday’s march. He appealed to all artists to attend the vigil and march.
“On the day we march, we will have street theatre performances as we go to the public protector’s office to hand over our memorandum.”
He said one of their grievances was that the public protector shouldn’t only target black leadership but should also investigate other races.
“The justice department must do its work. We don’t know why they want to remove Hlaudi, who delivers and wants the best for artists.”
