Linda Ximba
Winners at the inaugural KwaZulu-Natal Entertainment Awards in December were over the moon when they won their prizes. The awards, which came at a time when artists were hit hard by Covid-19, were welcomed by the industry.
Some entrants were even promised R100,000 in cash prizes alongside their awards.
But five months later, the who’s who of the entertainment industry in KZN are still waiting for their money.
DJ Tira, Black Coffee, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mbongeni Ngema, Sjava, Robert Marawa, Nomcebo Zikode and other celebrities were among the winners on the night.
The awards, which were hosted by Pearl Thusi and Somizi Mhlongo, were meant to celebrate KZN’s most-talented stars in the arts and entertainment space.
A winner, who asked for anonymity fearing a backlash from the organisers, confirmed he is still awaiting payment.
“Every time we enquire about our money, we get some excuse. It’s time these people were exposed.”
Another winner said, “We are being taken for a ride.”
“The awards were funded with a lot of money. I was looking forward to a good Christmas especially as so many of us were hit hard by Covid-19. It’s disheartening to work with people you can’t trust.”
Mhlo Gumede, who is on the organising committee, confirmed they are yet to pay the winners.
“We have had some minor glitches but we are working on it. We even wrote on our Instagram page asking the winners to verify their banking details.”
