The Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced that about 25 icons in the arts sector will be honoured through documentaries.
McKenzie described this as a gesture of “giving them their flowers” while they are still alive, and to recognise their significant contribution in telling South African stories, promoting and preserving various languages and culture.
The Minister declared that the time when legends get paid little money to perform is over.
“You have already performed for all the time that you had to perform.
You have fought for all the times that you had to perform.
So, we have a plan to raise a maximum of a million rand a year for the legends until you’re passing and a minimum of R600 000 per year.
That one is the minimum that I can even guarantee, we’re going to work in my team.
The people should know this is important to us.
The time when legends are paid R14 000 is over,” said McKenzie.
This emerged when the Minister and other stakeholders hosted a breakfast session on the importance of the Living Legends Legacy Fraternity Trust, in Johannesburg.
Amongst those who will be honoured is renowned artist Mmakgabo Sebidi, multi-talented actress and singer Thembi Mtshali-Jones, seasoned television and radio broadcaster David Mothibi and award-winning director and playwright, Dr John Kani.
The struggles of veterans in the creative sector in South Africa often come under the spotlight during funeral ceremonies.
In some cases, families appeal for donations to bury some of the country’s stars.
Despite the ancient debate on whether the government is doing enough to support artists or them not having adequate financial education, McKenzie is adamant that his tenure will bring the much-needed change.
“I want you to know that my reign as the minister and the deputy minister’s reign will be a failure if you are not looked after.
So, I’m saying to you, you must know.
We’re going to honour you even in events.
The Government must invite you to all the main government events, you must be there,” assured the Minister.
