At Doc Shebeleza’s funeral, McKenzie says govt continues to 'fail' local artists
McKenzie expressed his dismay over the plight of many artists, stating it’s disheartening to see them pass away with nothing to their names.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. Picture: Jacques Nelles/ EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie said government continues to fail local artists.
McKenzie made these remarks while addressing mourners at the funeral of kwaito legend Victor ‘Doc Shebeleza’ Bogopane at the Apostolic Church in Fairlands on Saturday morning.
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Family, friends, and fans gathered to pay their final respects to the 51-year-old artist, who passed away on 9 January at his Fairlands home, shortly after being released from the hospital.
McKenzie expressed his dismay over the plight of many artists, stating it’s disheartening to see them pass away with nothing to their names.
“We as government, I’m part of government, I can’t separate myself. We failed artists in this country, as government, including McKenzie. I’m not pointing fingers at no one. I am part of government.
“We failed artists. Artists in this country can’t even buy furniture. They don’t have three-month bank statements that show frequent income. Artists in this country are not known as workers. Artists in this country is number one when it comes to exploitation.”
Addressing mourners, including musicians, the Bogopane family, and Doc Shebeleza’s friends, the minister vowed that changes were coming for the arts community.
McKenzie also called on leaders in the music industry to prioritise the welfare of artists over personal gain.
This comes in the light of Doc Shebeleza’s mother’s recent appeal for financial donations to cover her son’s medical fees before his passing.