adminwas deported last week because she didn’t have a work permit.
In an emailed statement, the festival’s Press and liaison officer, Nkululeko Nkala, said they failed to properly interpret National Arts Council and Immigration rules regarding performances by foreign artistes. “We failed to interpret the rules as previously we had been given waivers for visiting artistes by the immigration department but unfortunately it was not so this year.
“We had assumed we would get the waiver like previous years.
“We sincerely apologise to the affected artiste, our valued audiences, partners, supporters and friends of the festival and any inconvenience caused is regretted,” said Nkala in the statement.
Festival director Raisedon Baya had earlier denied reports that Ntsiki had been ordered to leave by immigration officials, last Thursday. Baya instead said the festival reduced her performance days to accommodate more local acts.
Mazwai had been scheduled to make two performances but ended only making one at Horizon Pub and Restaurant alongside Chiwoniso Maraire and Edith WeUtonga.
Another event, where she was supposed to partner with local poets, had to be scrapped from the programme.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu