By Setsabile Nkambule | 2020-05-27
MANZINI North Member of Parliament Macford Sibandze has advised artists to find ways to make money in the entertainment industry.
He stated that the pressure from international entertainers who portray a good life leads to Emaswati thinking other countries are doing much better in the industry than they are actually doing. According to Sibandze, in the world of entertainment there is a wave of an over-hyped PR about the industry as an ocean of money.
He stated that: “It's a global thing not only in SA but everywhere. “The reason is simple; when you are in the media, newspapers and TV the assumption is that you have money yet it is not always the case.
Entertainment has been portrayed as glitz and glamorous and many a Swati want to go to SA to be stars and few are lucky to be tops and those who languish as bottomists feel it,” he said. He said local entertainers have to revive the independent producers associations so that they are able to speak in one voice.
“It is easier now than during our time.
They must also learn the business side of the industry and how to have multiple sources of income, for example, just because you are an actor, does not mean you cannot invest in agriculture, property or construction etc,” said Sibandze. He further reminded artists that the partial lockdown was not a jail sentence. He said they should continue working on their talent. “Government, through arts and culture, should revive associations for specific disciplines such as ASTG for theatre practioners.
“There should be strong policies that support artists in govt initiatives, NGOs, parastatals, etc. Arts have to be utilised for entertainment to thrive. “In the COVID-19 era, artists should be smiling to the bank as government will be using their services in different endeavours.
For example, Mshikishi and crew have composed a powerful and educative song about the pandemic. Those guys should be paid and this will consequently lead to the circulation of money to all, the trickle effect,” he said.
He added that government should also allow entertainers to register for food hampers like everyone else as they have been affected by the pandemic. “They also have to get the money from the Natie Kirsh foundation.
This would have been easier with the associations affiliated to arts and culture for data purposes,” he said.
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