Durban - The ANC Youth League in KwaZulu-Natal has threatened to put up a bitter fight if musicians are cut off from performing at government functions as part of austerity measures.
Addressing a press briefing in Durban on Monday, league leaders said instead of depriving musicians of an “honest” means of making an income, the government leaders should cut down on their own spending on blue light convoys and bodyguards.
League provincial secretary Thanduxolo Sabelo said they had already urged Premier Senzo Mchunu to bring back artists to provide entertainment at government functions.
“We conveyed the message to the premier on Sunday at the provincial general council.
“We want him to meet the artists, and we want him to give a clear instruction to the MEC for Finance that these must be brought back,” Sabelo said.
The provincial government had previously announced, among other cost-cutting measures, that it would no longer pay musicians to perform at government functions.
However, Sabelo said if the decision was not reversed, the league would join artists in marching against the government.
“If they want to cut anything they must cut these blue light vehicles that are following them around. They must cut these bodyguards that are following them around.
“They must do away with lunch, and must buy lunch at Nando’s like everybody else,” he said.
Sabelo also said the league would meet King Goodwill Zwelithini to discuss his recent Shaka Day statement that there should be no government banners at royal functions which were sponsored by the government, using public funds.
The Mercury