The memorial service was held at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani on Wednesday.
At the memorial service for Darlington “Papa G” Michaels, held at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani on Wednesday, artistes took the opportunity to air their frustrations with the arts industry.
Michaels is widely known for his role as Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela. Isidingopassed away on Friday, September 13th after a long illness.
Read more: Isidingo's Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela dies after illness
Lack of support for the arts industry
Speaking at the memorial, veteran actor Lucky Legodi, who served as programme director, criticised the government's lack of support for the arts industry.
“I've been putting forward proposals for almost 25 years and they've been rejected time and time again,” Legodi said.
“I also went to the National Film and Video Foundation but they also rejected my proposal. I then approached Gigi Kodwa about the matter. [former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture]Gigi simply said, “I know. We've made the final decision.”
Legodi also expressed concern about the future of young artistes in the industry.
“Our artists are starving. I can't imagine sending my child to art school and then having them face the same hardships as us when they graduate. Many of our artists are poor and have no place to live.”
Actors, left: Zikona Zodlaka and right: Lucky Legodi. Photo: Abigail van der Hoeven
Calling for change and better funding
Mpho J Molepo, an artist and chairperson of the Gauteng Arts and Culture Council, acknowledged that the industry is struggling and change is needed.
“When I think about the provincial council, we are fortunate to be able to speak directly to artists for the first time and it's clear that things have to change,” Molepo said.
“It has been a long time since we have been crying and complaining, but the material situation surrounding us as practitioners has not changed over the years.”
Molepo stressed the need to classify artists as workers and not independent contractors.
“Because we're not recognised as workers, we don't have access to the benefits that other employees have. This has to change. If we can fight for this status over the next five years, it will have a huge impact on the future of our industry.”
Molepo also highlighted the lack of funding for the arts, saying financial support from the National Arts Council and local agencies was insufficient to meet the needs of artists.
“We need to partner with existing institutions and present a compelling case to the Treasury for further funding,” he added.
Chairperson of the Gauteng Arts and Culture Council. Photo: Abigail van der Hoeven
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