THE meeting between President Jacob Zuma, cabinet ministers and artists in Sandton yesterday was full of drama.
THE meeting between President Jacob Zuma, cabinet ministers and artists in Sandton yesterday was full of drama.
It was emotional, serious and funny at times.
Several artists tried to outdo each other by grabbing the microphone to speak to Zuma about issues affecting the industry.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane struggled to maintain order as artists disrupted the proceedings by not giving each other a chance to be heard.
But, the hot issues ranged from copyright exploitation, lack of enough local content on TV and piracy to a barrage of complaints about corrupt government officials.
In response Zuma called on artists to be united because it was difficult for the government to engage with them as individuals.
"We have heard your issues of concern, and this is just start of a dialogue. I advise artists to form themselves into a structure so that they can speak to the government with one voice. Speaking as individuals weakens your case. Artists must not lose this opportunity of an administration that wants to engage."
Zuma said they would meet again next year.
He said while local content should be promoted, scriptwriters should not be driven by commercial interests to misrepresent local culture and identity.
"There is simply too much violence and sex on our television and no wonder we end up with crimes like rape and violence in society," said Zuma.
Outspoken artist and lawyer Steve Kekana said he was not happy with the way blind artists are treated.
"Blind artists have been treated with no respect and dignity in the office of the president, and ironically by blind officials there," he said.
zuMA slams SEX on TV
THE meeting between President Jacob Zuma, cabinet ministers and artists in Sandton yesterday was full of drama.
THE meeting between President Jacob Zuma, cabinet ministers and artists in Sandton yesterday was full of drama.
It was emotional, serious and funny at times.
Several artists tried to outdo each other by grabbing the microphone to speak to Zuma about issues affecting the industry.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane struggled to maintain order as artists disrupted the proceedings by not giving each other a chance to be heard.
But, the hot issues ranged from copyright exploitation, lack of enough local content on TV and piracy to a barrage of complaints about corrupt government officials.
In response Zuma called on artists to be united because it was difficult for the government to engage with them as individuals.
"We have heard your issues of concern, and this is just start of a dialogue. I advise artists to form themselves into a structure so that they can speak to the government with one voice. Speaking as individuals weakens your case. Artists must not lose this opportunity of an administration that wants to engage."
Zuma said they would meet again next year.
He said while local content should be promoted, scriptwriters should not be driven by commercial interests to misrepresent local culture and identity.
"There is simply too much violence and sex on our television and no wonder we end up with crimes like rape and violence in society," said Zuma.
Outspoken artist and lawyer Steve Kekana said he was not happy with the way blind artists are treated.
"Blind artists have been treated with no respect and dignity in the office of the president, and ironically by blind officials there," he said.