For almost two months, artists have occupied the National Arts Council in Johannesburg. This institution would distribute EUR 17 million through a presidential fund to support employment, but not all applicants could benefit from it. At the initiative of opera singer Sibongile Mngoma, artists took possession of the building in early March to demand transparency in the distribution of funds and to condemn the government’s lack of interest in culture. About twenty artists now live there.
as reported from Johannesburg, Romain Song
On the third floor, the meeting room has been transformed into a dormitory. The artists still continue to gather there in song to motivate the troops. It all started in this room, the day they asked this question, “Where’s the money?” And no one could answer us. ”
1980s South African pop star Mercy Makela sums it up. “They did not pay all the people who needed to be paid. We are still under a lockdown system and there are artists who have not received money in a year. How does the government expect artists to survive? ”
Prior to the scandal, the leadership of the National Arts Council was suspended and the Minister of Culture acknowledged that the handling of the money was incorrect. In one song, the artists ask for his resignation.
Nathi Mthethwa is responsible for culture, art and sports. A mix of ministerial portfolios, illustrating the government’s lack of interest, according to Savage Tau, the song’s producer. “When they came here, we asked them why they mixed up all these assignments. They do not know. They do not even know why we are here. We are dealing with people who do not even know what they are doing. ”
Today, artists are threatened with deportation following a ruling handed down by a court. Until then, they will continue to paint, compose and help each other.
.
