Minister backs artists’ outcry on their marginalisation

By Ofentse Mokae
27 March 2010

Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana minister has come strongly behind the outcry from artists about the lack of South African and African artists at the June 10th concert in Orlando Stadium.

In a statement Xingwana says it is not fair that mainly artists from outside the country and the continent should welcome our guests.

“FIFA should recognise that there are a number of internationally acclaimed South African artists, we cannot condone South African artists being marginalised in their own motherland,” Xingwana said.

Xingwana says the artists are justified in expressing their grievances about their marginalisation by FIFA.

“It is unacceptable that the publicised line-up has only a few South Africans and artists from the rest of the continent, South African artists in particular and African artists in general should play a leading role in this event,” she added.

The South African government has declared that the tournament is an African World Cup, as it is the first ever Soccer World Cup on the African soil.

The minister has called for an urgent meeting to engage with the LOC on the concert.