Local artists with nowhere to turn, artists from outside get choice treatment

Moyahabo Mabeba

LIMPOPO – THE Limpopo Arts and Culture Youth Forum has come out with guns blazing in an open letter to premier Stanley Mathabatha, condemning the provincial administration for overlooking them during government events.

The forum’s deputy chairperson, Palesa Makgato said they had observed with despair as artists and performers from outside the province enjoyed support from the Limpopo government while local artists continued to be neglected.

“We have noted with disappointment that our own provincial government continues to fail to notice our presence even though they are aware of our plight.

“We have been engaging the department of sport, arts and culture on this matter, but without success.”

In the 883-word letter, the forum wrote “Mr Premier, while you are saying ‘Happy Youth Day on the 16th June 2015’; it is not a happy one for the cultural and creative practitioners of this province because in your government events you still prioritise artists from outside while our artists are poor; lack development and are struggling.

“As young people in the creative sector, we are calling for a radical transformation in the cultural and creative sector by young people. The creative sector has been stagnant; unresponsive and oppressive to young people in the last 21 years. It has been shy to open doors of opportunities to young people. We are saying that the youth of 1976 have managed to defeat apartheid during their time.

“They were fearless; united; focused; never compromised and kept moving forward even though it was tough.

“We are calling on all young creative people of today to be fearless; strong; resilient; unapologetic and focused on the goals ahead like the youth of 1976. It cannot be right Honourable Premier of our province that young people in the creative sector are used to begging; poverty and oppression while there are many resources meant to benefit the people but not reaching our people in various townships; villages and rural areas. We need opportunities and resources for young people in the creative sector now.”

However, provincial government spokesperson Phuti Seloba dismissed the forum’s claims, saying, “As government, when we hold our events, we always prioritise artists from the districts where the event will be held. On the other hand, there are certain aspects that need to be taken into consideration… like interests of the audience and the suitable artists who will deliver the relevant message related to the occasion. However, while we are keen on empowering local artists, we cannot just hire someone because that particular person has a guitar and presume that the person can certainly perform.”