IT'S tragic and sad that many singers and actors are no longer remembered, except by the alluding to them through theatre pieces, films or popular songs.

The subject is by no means a new one, but one that has elicited long debates that have never yielded any solution. This ends up sounding like a broken record. But these things have to be said, especially in the light of the deaths when our conscience usually gets the best of us.

I think that because the Department of Arts and Culture is the one that spearheads the sponsorship of various artistic projects, it needs to do some serious soul-searching, coupled with the wisdom of the Biblical Solomon and the insight of those who walk the talk when they claim that they care about their citizens.

In my own humble way, I would like to suggest that Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana introduces a quota system in the arts. For each concert they fund, they must insist that two or three forgotten artists be featured on a rotational basis.

We have groups such as Dr Phillip Tabane & Malombo who deserve to be be featured. Sadly, talented and able singers like Mara Louw, Abigail Kubheka, Thoko Ndlozi, Thandi Klaasen, Sylvia Mdunyelwa and Dorothy Masuka are overlooked.

The same goes for film and television actors. Boikie Mohlamme, who is lucky to have recently featured in 7de Laan, Boikie Pholo, Nakedi Ribane, Vusi Thanda, Gloria Mudau, David Phetoe and Nati Rula among others, are just as talented, but are sidelined.

And then of course, there are great groups such as Era, Drive, Bayete, African Jazz Pioneers, 4/40Sakhile, Mahube, the intact Soul Brothers and Stimela.

So how are they expected to live? Do we really enjoy writing obituaries, foaming at the mouth as we list the virtues of these forgotten individuals. Why not just bury them alive and get on with it? Isn't it bad enough that we speak so well about corpses that in most cases are nothing but a bag of bones because they have been hungry?

Why not look after our own through creative ways that do not have to depend on the government alone? I feel so ashamed just thinking about how vulturistic we have become, always flying close by only to pounce on the dead as soon as word gets out.

Do we still remember Mahla- thini Nkabinde, Dolly Rathebe, Miriam Makeba, West Nkosi, Sophie Mgcina, Victor Ndlazilwane and many, many others that we forgot while they were still alive but were first on the programme in death?

A successful nation prides itself in looking after its elderly. These are people who should be utilised to teach music to youngsters. Let us make them feel useful because they are still alive.

Until we elevate people to their rightful places and rope in sponsors if we have to, we will keep on throwing away the real cornerstones.

You are born with intelligence but wisdom is something that you acquire, or kanjani .