Dumisani Goba expresses disappointment over government boycott of SA Traditional Music Awards
Durban — South African Traditional Music Awards (Satma) founder Dumisani Goba has expressed his disappointment at the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government and eThekwini Municipality for “boycotting” his event despite injecting R30 million into the provincial economy.
The Satma event was held out of KwaZulu-Natal for a number of years. However, in 2024, the awards ceremony was held at the Suncoast Casino Dome on Saturday.
it is alleged that the provincial government no-show put a damper on the event. Despite being invited, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier and his entire cabinet did not attend. However, the only person to attend was Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Musa Zondi. The event was also allegedly snubbed by the eThekwini Municipality mayor Cyril Xaba.
Goba claims that none of them sent apologies for not attending neither did they send representatives.
Speaking to the Daily News on Tuesday, Goba said he was disappointed by the provincial government’s non-attendance but also their refusal to support the event financially.
Goba, who is from Ndwedwe, north of Durban added that by snubbing his event, the province and the municipality missed an opportunity to keep the event in the province as he had planned to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year in the province where it was founded. This year was the 19th edition of the event that celebrated and honoured cultural diversity.
“I invited all MECs, the premier and the eThekwini mayor. I did this despite all of them turning down my request for a partnership but was disappointed by their absence. Their action cost them an opportunity to host it here again next year as it does not make sense to keep such a big event in the province whereas the government does not want it. We have already been approached by other provinces and we will consider their request,” said Goba.
He claimed that his event contributed close to R30 million through accommodation, transport, restaurants and other related activities since those attending the event spent the entire weekend here.
The event was graced by King Misuzulu who was accompanied by his wife MaMyeni, princes and princesses. Zulu traditional prime minister Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi was also conspicuously absent. Buthelezi stated he was not in the province due to a meeting with izinduna (headmen) in Gauteng.
The Premier’s spokesperson Bongani Gina pleaded ignorance about event, saying he is not aware of any invitation and ask for proof, however Goba insisted that the provincial government was invited.
The eThekwini mayor's office had not yet responded to questions sent at the time of the publication, however, its response would be added once received.
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