Zakes Bantwini, real name Zakhele Madida, appealed to sport, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa to play his role in bettering the lives of those in the entertainment industry.
The musician and businessman addressed the minister at his birthday celebration in the heart of Sandton on Tuesday, saying he had invited the minister to his exclusive party because he wanted to deliver a message about how he can be of service to South Africa.
“We are frustrated as a country. We are looking up to you. Our people voted for you to lead us. We really need your guidance and support for us to address every issue we are faced with in the country, because we have no other home. This is our home. We have lived here and we are going to die here,” he said.
“We know you just assumed the position of arts and culture, and we believe sports, arts and culture are the only answer to bringing people together. Social cohesion and change come with sports, music, and arts. Every other portfolio comes after, but you are a unifier.”
In response to his plea, Zizi spoke of the Grammy award-winning artist as a symbol of hope.
“I grew up in a township and when it gets darker, the brighter the stars ... when I saw you over the past few years you became this Zakhele and I got inspired that if you follow your dream anything is possible. SA is a country where we can all achieve our dreams.”
In February, Zakes addressed former minister Nathi Mthethwa at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport during a ceremony held in honour of Zakes, Wouter Kellerman, and Nomcebo Zikode after they received the Best Global Music Performance Award at the 65th annual Grammy Awards.
Zakes echoed the words of many South African artists who have raised their hands to help grow the arts here.
“We are saying that if the work is done right, we will not have to use a celebratory platform such as this to raise issues about the country.
“We are trusting you, minister, we are trusting our politicians, we are trusting our business people and the media ... to [provide] this country with opportunities ... This Grammy marks a start, it speaks to someone from the township.”
‘We are frustrated as a country’ — Zakes Bantwini probes Zizi Kodwa to do more for the arts
Image: Supplied
Zakes Bantwini, real name Zakhele Madida, appealed to sport, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa to play his role in bettering the lives of those in the entertainment industry.
The musician and businessman addressed the minister at his birthday celebration in the heart of Sandton on Tuesday, saying he had invited the minister to his exclusive party because he wanted to deliver a message about how he can be of service to South Africa.
“We are frustrated as a country. We are looking up to you. Our people voted for you to lead us. We really need your guidance and support for us to address every issue we are faced with in the country, because we have no other home. This is our home. We have lived here and we are going to die here,” he said.
“We know you just assumed the position of arts and culture, and we believe sports, arts and culture are the only answer to bringing people together. Social cohesion and change come with sports, music, and arts. Every other portfolio comes after, but you are a unifier.”
In response to his plea, Zizi spoke of the Grammy award-winning artist as a symbol of hope.
“I grew up in a township and when it gets darker, the brighter the stars ... when I saw you over the past few years you became this Zakhele and I got inspired that if you follow your dream anything is possible. SA is a country where we can all achieve our dreams.”
In February, Zakes addressed former minister Nathi Mthethwa at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport during a ceremony held in honour of Zakes, Wouter Kellerman, and Nomcebo Zikode after they received the Best Global Music Performance Award at the 65th annual Grammy Awards.
Zakes echoed the words of many South African artists who have raised their hands to help grow the arts here.
“We are saying that if the work is done right, we will not have to use a celebratory platform such as this to raise issues about the country.
“We are trusting you, minister, we are trusting our politicians, we are trusting our business people and the media ... to [provide] this country with opportunities ... This Grammy marks a start, it speaks to someone from the township.”
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Zakes Bantwini challenges Durban mayor to increase budget for artists
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LISTEN | ‘He’s a musical genius’ — Proud wife Nandi Madida celebrates Grammy-winning Zakes Bantwini
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