The 73-year-old said he was still waiting for the president to present him with a cow to accompany his title of Knight of Ikamanga.
Musician Madara Kunene is delighted to have been awarded the Order of Ikamanga by President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of his prostate removal surgery.
“Many artists pass away without receiving this Ikamanga Medal. It's painful for them to remember you when you're gone. That's why I'm so happy about this award,” Kunene said. Ta. citizen.
On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa awarded National Medals to 32 recipients, including Kunene, at a ceremony at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane.
Bafo! ! 🙌🏿💫 pic.twitter.com/iLzgdA0VPX
— Paul Mnisi 𓋹𓍑𓋴 (@Mnisi__weMvula) April 30, 2024
The Order of Ihamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have achieved outstanding achievements in the arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport. This award is the highest honor bestowed in South Africa.
Mr. Kunene was awarded the Golden Medal of the Order of Ikamanga along with Dr. Ugly Kraste and Ms. Nontando “Noni” Helen Jababu. The latter two recipients received their medals posthumously.
“It's wrong to honor the dead. You see that when their music is played on the radio all day long after they're gone,” Kunene asserted.
Muso, a veteran who recently turned 73, said he was still waiting for the president to gift him a cow to accompany his title of Ikamanga cult.
“They haven’t given me anything that comes with Ikamanga, so I’m still waiting for them to give me a cow so I can celebrate with my family at home,” he said.
[FAMILY PHOTO]: Great Patron of the President of the National Order of Merit @CyrilRamaphosa is participating @SportArtCultur minister @ZiziKodwa and @PresidencyZA … pic.twitter.com/mbdAERBuhp
— President🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) April 30, 2024
“They are [Presidency] I haven't promised anything. Yesterday was a holiday, so I might hear something in the next few days. ”
Also read: 'It's okay to be called a doctor, but there is no medical help' Madara Kunene is raising funds for surgery
surgery
Last month, the BackaBuddy campaign was formed to help with Mr Kunene's surgery, raising more than R100,000 in less than a week.
Kunene admitted that he had set a date for prostate surgery after funds were raised quickly.
“My last performance was on December 27th, and I am scheduled to undergo surgery on May 13th. After the surgery, I will be able to work again around July.”
The surgery is estimated to cost R100,000, and at the time of writing, funds raised had reached R164,994.
Last month when Kunene spoke citizens, He lamented the lack of support for artists.
“we [legends] Don't get hired anymore. They only book DJs, ama piano artists, and gqom guys. We are very quiet…I can't take care of myself,” Kunene said at the time.
Kunene has been in the music industry for at least 50 years, creating African blues music that has touched listeners nationally and internationally.
Last year, Kunene was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in recognition of his contribution to the development of indigenous music and to African and world music.
Gigi Kodwa, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, promised to visit Kunene after he returned from the hospital, but had to change his plans due to other commitments.
However, the minister kept his promise a few days later and spent the day with Kunene on his birthday in April.
“He came and celebrated my day with me. I have lived here since 1998 and never had a prime minister or a minister come to visit my house. Nati -Mr. Mthethwa promised to come around 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic, but he helped me. Gigi Kodwa was the first pastor to visit my house.”
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