By Tamlyn Canham
Zakes Bantwini is frustrated with how the arts and culture department has handled its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The musician took to Twitter to vent his frustrations.
“I want to be Minister of Art & Culture @PresidencyZA, This pandemic has been extremely challenging for our industry and it’s clear we have NO leadership that cares for creative economy of this nation. As creatives we deserve better and I want to change that for next generation,” he wrote.
I want to be Minister of Art & Culture @PresidencyZA, This pandemic has been extremely challenging for our industry and it's clear we have NO leadership that cares for creative economy of this nation. As creatives we deserve better and I want to change that for next generation.
— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) July 25, 2021
One Twitter user said Zakes would make a great minister.
“This guy has the capabilities and intelligence. One just needs to understand his biography. This guy is a genius……Harvard student as well.”
Another user added: “I support this. If there’s anybody who fully understands the plight of artists in this country, it’s someone who is well versed in the industry. Not only does @ZakesBantwiniSA have decades of experience as an artist and exec. he is also educated in the field.”
I support this. If there’s anybody who fully understands the plight of artists in this country, it’s someone who is well versed in the industry. Not only does @ZakesBantwiniSA have decades of experience as an artist and exec, he is also educated in the field.
— Simthe Sibhayi (@SimtheLive) July 26, 2021
Other stars speak out
Zakes is not the only star who has spoken out against the department. Pearl Thusi made headlines a few weeks ago after begging Nathi Mthethwa to assist struggling artists.
“Dear Minister @NathiMthethwaSA, I say this in the sincerely way… artists are struggling… can you assist with actual support/ money like how you tweet us congrats and condolences,” she tweeted.
The local entertainment industry has suffered greatly since the start of the lockdown in March last year.
The latest level 3 lockdown limits social gathering to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
DJ Sbu says artists are suffering.
“People who are affected the most out of all these lockdowns since they started is us in the entertainment industry. We also have families to feed,” he tweeted in June.
People who are affected the most out of all these Lockdowns since they started is us in the entertainment industry. We also have families to feed. 😭
— #DJSbu (@djsbu) June 15, 2021
Main image credit: Instagram/@zakesbantwini



