Mayor deplores government splurge on music awards

It was a politically callous and ethically dubious decision to waste R28-million on music awards at a time when KZN citizens have no access to water, and no jobs.

This was the sentiment of the Zululand District Mayor Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, who described the provincial government’s decision to splurge on the frivolous South African Music Awards (SAMA) as a slap in the face of KZN citizens.

This year, the awards ceremony is slated for 17 and 18 November at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), marking a departure from its usual venue in Sun City.

Buthelezi said KZN residents do not need SAMA awards. “This clearly demonstrates that the ANC’s time to govern the province has expired. What is worse is that the R28-million was meant for Ithala, and it now means this important public entity will be deprived of much-needed resources,” concluded Buthelezi.

Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Siboniso Duma’s spokesperson Ndabenhle Sibiya disputed these allegations, saying the government invest only R20-million into the SAMA awards as the event attracts more than 4 000 visitors from outside the province.

“We understand that politicians have the right to criticise us as they represent members of the community, but we have noted that they sometimes distort information such as figures.

“It is not true that we are planning to support the event with R28-million. It is propaganda created by politicians to serve their narrow political agenda.

“R20-million was proposed to sponsor the SAMA awards for three years, and we are following all processes to ensure everything is done accordingly. This financial support is expected to give an economic spin-off of R350-million to our province,” she said.

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