By Celani Sikhakhane
- ANC KwaZulu-Natal leader Mike Mabuyakhulu told a Durban gala dinner the party will favour artists who stayed loyal during its difficult period.
- Veteran artist Phuzekhemisi Mnyandu hit back, saying artists accept bookings from any party because that is how they feed their families.
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has put artists on notice. Stay loyal now, or do not expect work when the party gets back into power.
Mike Mabuyakhulu, leader of the ANC’s provincial task team, made the remarks at a gala dinner in Durban. He was responding to artists who asked whether they were free to accept bookings from other political parties.
“You know what, it will be better to work with someone who have been with you through thick and thin. And it is totally unfair to forget those people who help you during the dark days,” Mabuyakhulu said.
Not everyone in the room accepted that quietly. Veteran artist Phuzekhemisi Mnyandu told the ANC leadership that artists are not politicians chasing council seats or a spot in parliament. They live from their work.
“We spoke about this matter and the ANC knows that as artists we accept any invite from any political party because that is how we survive to take care of our families,” Mnyandu said.
Artist Joy Mbewana also used the dinner to demand that the ANC pay performers and social media influencers on time. She said those hired to post on behalf of the party bring real value through their followings and must be paid for it.
It is a tension with history behind it. The late gospel star Deborah Fraser was known for her fierce loyalty to the ANC.
Ahead of the 2009 elections, her management accepted what they were told was a standard commercial booking in the Free State. It was a Cope rally. When Fraser arrived at the stadium and saw the Cope branding, she refused to leave the car and had her driver turn around without her setting foot on the stage.
Pictured above: ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial task team leader Mike Mabuyakhulu addressed artists at a gala dinner in Durban.
Image source: KZNANC
