SSN INCENSED BY NGEMA’S U-TURN ON CULTURAL BOYCOTT SSN-STATEMENT: September 4th, 2013 Mbongeni Ngema is well known in Swaziland for his comedic Mbaqanga music, releasing such hits as “Usibali wadla imbongolo”, a reference to consuming donkey flesh. In the Swazi psyche, therefore, he has always been viewed as a jester. BACKGROUND Things changed somewhat in the early nineties when his famous musical play and movie Sarafina was released as a movie. In one shot the man from Verulam catapulted himself to the international limelight and earned himself a seat in the table of serious issues. It was masterstroke. Seizing the heightened racial tensions of the late 80s and the impending fall of Apartheid, Ngema captured the struggles of township youth living under Apartheid. What was most interesting about his role in this play was the character he chose to play.His character was a man named Sabela, a brutal Apartheid collaborator who took great joy in instilling fear in the hearts of township youth on behalf of his pay masters. Since then the once celebrated play-write has seen his star diminish somewhat, attracting controversy at every turn, and this is largely his own fault. Despite being labelled a racist for the lyrics of his song, “Amandiya”, and refusing to apologize when asked by the elderly statesman, Nelson Mandela, he has maintained political connections within the South African ruling party. CULTURAL BOYCOTT It was not surprising therefore when “constable Sabela” approached Otto Moloto, a close friend of the Swaziland Solidarity Network (SSN) and the Creative Workers’ Union of South Africa (CWUSA) on the 29th of March to engage the network on his plans to hold auditions for the play Number 43 Kwamagogo. The SSN has always been clear on the role of South African artists pertaining the Cultural Boycott. Artists are free to turn their back on it if they wish; something that many have done. Participation is voluntary. What usually draws criticism from the network is when an artist is engaged on participating in the boycott, agrees to do so, but later makes a U-turn without expressing this change of mind. By that time statements have been issued, causing deep embarrassment to the network and ridiculing the network’s efforts. Ngema’s antics are even worse than that because he is the one who approached the network, expressing his undying support for the struggle for democracy in Swaziland, posing as a democrat with struggle credentials and political connections within the South African ruling party. In the meeting held between him, CWUSA’s Mabutho Sithole and the SSN spoke-person Lucky Lukhele, he seemed to be concerned that his holding auditions on his play in Swaziland would undermine the cultural boycott. This was a legitimate concern for a democrat in solidarity with the Swazi struggle. The Network reasoned with him not to go to Swaziland. The network even pointed out the fact that Swaziland was only four hours away from Johannesburg and Durban; therefore logistically it was not a crisis for aspiring Swazi artists to make it to the auditions if they were serious about being cast in the play. Moreover, if Ngema wanted to be closer to them he could even hold the auditions in Oshoek border. He agreed to this plan. Months later, “constable Sabela” is reportedly now holding his auditions in Swaziland, contradicting the agreements that he made with the Solidarity Network. The question is asked,”What has since changed?” Has Swaziland since become a democratic country? Are there logistical issues that were not immediately apparent during the meeting but have since been revealed? If that is the case then why not convene another meeting? This is baffling indeed. The network feels deeply disrespected by the actions of Mbongeni Ngema. This is not only treachery but completely childish behaviour. Why approach the network and pose as being in solidarity with the people of Swaziland when you are clearly not? EXPLANATION In light of this act by Ngema, the network is demanding a written explanation from him on his U-turn and a public apology for ridiculing the cultural boycott and wasting the SSN and CWUSA’s time, failing which, revolutionary action will be mobilised against him both in Swaziland and in South Africa. It is well known that he performs certain services for organizations allied to the SSN and CWUSA. These will be withdrawn. All this could have been avoided if he had stayed true to his real nature as a man who cares little for democracy and human rights. Issued By the Swaziland Solidarity Network [SSN] Contact: Pius Vilakati – Cultural Boycott –coordinator 083 512 5234 Or Contact Lucky Lukhele- SSN-spokesperson 072 502 4141
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 10:58:41 +0000
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