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Musicians used the funeral of kwaito star and Big Nuz member Sbusiso “R-Mashesha” Khomo on Saturday as a platform to air their grievances and frustrations over government’s late payments.
They claimed that the late payments for their performances made them fail to provide for their families. It is alleged that government officials take up to three months to pay musicians after performances at government events.
The criticism emerged after several media reports that various musicians in KwaZulu-Natal were failing to support their families.
Renowned kwaito artiste Thokozani “T-zozo” Zulu bemoaned that government had long processes.
He said musicians were failing to feed their families.
“It takes government between three and six months after the performance to make payment . . . sometimes we end up fighting with events organisers for payment,” he said.
The grievances were raised in the presence of provincial arts and culture MEC Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha and throngs of mourners during the funeral service at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, south of Durban.
Gospel artiste Dumi Mkokstad said he had also experienced non-payment several times.
“The actions of officials really affect us because we have needs too. We urge government to reduce the payment period.”
Sibhidla-Saphetha promised to take up the matter with premier Senzo Mchunu.
“We have to come out with plans to accelerate the payment process for musicians after performing at government events. We appeal to the musicians to be patient with us.” — Sowetan.
Online Reporter