Zakes Bantwini Wants To Take Over Arts Ministry

For months now Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa had been put on blast for not caring about artists needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nathi had been said to ignore the cries of thousands of artists in the country but now, Zakes Bantwini wants to step up to the challenge.

Asking the minister to step down from his duties is not enough for our local artists so they now want to take over.

“I want to be Minister of Art & Culture @PresidencyZA, This pandemic has been extremely challenging for our industry and it’s clear we have NO leadership that cares for creative economy of this nation. As creatives we deserve better and I want to change that for next generation,” tweeted Zakes.

I want to be Minister of Art & Culture @PresidencyZA, This pandemic has been extremely challenging for our industry and it's clear we have NO leadership that cares for creative economy of this nation. As creatives we deserve better and I want to change that for next generation.

— Zakes Bantwini (@ZakesBantwiniSA) July 25, 2021

Pearl Thusi recently caught some heat when she asked for Nathi Mthethwa to hear their cried.

“Dear Minister @NathiMthethwaSA , I say this in the sincerest way… artists are struggling… can you assist with actual support/ money like how you tweet us congrats and condolences,” she wrote.

Dear Minister @NathiMthethwaSA , I say this in the sincerely way… 🥺 artists are struggling… can you assist with actual support/ money like how you tweet us congrats and condolences. 🥺

— #QueenSono (@PearlThusi) July 19, 2021

She got told that artists are not starving, they only want to buy expensive LV and Gucci bags.

Earlier this year, Shimza put the minister on blast “Submitted a proposal to Minister @NathiMthethwaSA for us to be able to afford to continue with events on TV so we could continue paying artists and people in the technical space and got no response. Now we out scrapping for work, people are gathering and the virus is spreading.

“Supporting this would have meant fewer people would go out to watch their favourite artists perform because they would do it from the comfort of their homes,” said Shimza.

“This would potentially cut down on gatherings, but at the same time would not take from the artist’s income because we also need to work. Many might think entertainment is just games, but many lives are suffering and are not being recognised, ra zama but we need assistance. Ra kopa.”

Submitted a proposal to Minister @NathiMthethwaSA for us to be able to afford to continue with events on tv so we could continue paying artists and people in the technical space and got no response. Now we out scrapping for work, people are gathering and the virus is spreading.

— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) December 14, 2020

This would potentially cut down on gatherings but at the same time not take from the artists income because we also need to work. Many might think entertainment is just games but many lives are suffering and are not being recognised, ra zama but we need assistance. Ra kopa 🙏🏾

— SHIMZA (@Shimza01) December 14, 2020

Simphiwe Dana called the minister useless, along with his spokesperson Masechaba Ndlovu, Dana who recently lost her mother, said as the breadwinner she could not afford the basic necessities.

In a series of tweets, she said:

“I’m finally understanding we have a useless minister of arts and culture! I tried, because I love him, and I love you! But I owe you the truth. I know what this means for me in government. I still wish they will be kind.”

“For the first time in a while, I can pay for bills. You don’t know what it means to me. South Africa do better by your artists! This is so embarrassing.

“I’m saying this because I’ve not been able to pay my bills. I understand I’m a higher tier artist! I’m just scared for the ones! And Whether they’re ok. I think I’m talking to my government at this point and asking for them to be kinder to us. We work, we don’t deserve this!”

“An then he got that useless spokesperson who just hates everyone. And I still loved him through it all. I’m now done! I hope he knows that even this action is an act of love!”