Sgwili lays it to Durban Metro for not taking care of their own

By SIHLE MKHIZE

Gospel singer Sgwili Zuma has called on eThekwini Municipality to clean up their act and start recognizing artists who live with albinism.

Sgwili raised his concerns during the Creative Industries Indaba held at Durban’s International Convention Centre (ICC) in the presence of mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and other officials.

“I was born with albinism. Deaf people are not catered for here. As we speak, there are no translators for deaf people here.

“We find it very hard to engage with the municipality as disabled artists. I am the only artist who has albinism in Durban who made this far in music. But I am not recognized,” Sgwili said.

He urged the municipality to address this issue as soon as possible. Hlengiwe Mhlaba also tabled her difficulties describing herself as a funeral singer.

“Due to Covid-19, I am a funeral singer, not gospel anymore. As artists, we’re struggling.

“I am also concerned about the events which are given to males artists only. No one is talking about depression, we went through during these trying times,” Hlengiwe explained.

CEO of Word of Mouth Pictures Mandla kaNozulu who was also present on the panel highlighted the positivity in filming around KZN especially Durban.

“We have the biggest program on TV, uZalo is shot here in Durban. Durban Gen and Imbewu are also raising our city flag high.

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“We need to start writing our own stories. We can’t allow people from outside the province to come here and shoot and employ us. This is our opportunity,” he said.

The issue of Playhouse Theatre availability was also on his agenda as he pointed fingers at the officials.

“We need Playhouse, it’s half-opened. We conquered Broadway with Sarafina without funding back then.

“Durban is talented, I can reveal that 70% of Lion King cast is from Durban,” he added.

Kaunda promised to take notes on artists’ grievances and act accordingly.

“I appreciate that you guys made valid points. Bedside questions but there’s are inputs on how to deal with the issues.

“We must sign a memorandum for understanding. I am tired of talking without implementation,” Kaunda said.

Kaunda sent a harsh message on artists who opt to rent flats and not to buy houses as investments.

Artists such as Mondli Ngcobo, Celeste Ntuli, T’zozo, Khaya Ngema, Gab, DJ Sox, and many more graced this annual indaba.