Thami aka Mbongo: A call to artists and practitioners in South Africa.

For the past three decades, the Cultural & Creative Industries in South Africa have found themselves entangled in a web of political rhetoric and complacency. Artists and practitioners, once heralded as the voice of the voiceless, have become mere protectors and spokespersons of a failed government. The time has come for a profound shift in mindset, away from the shackles of political indoctrination, and towards reclaiming the true essence of artistry – speaking truth to power.

The language we use shapes our reality, and for too long, terms like “Comrades” and “Leadership” have served as veils, obscuring the truth and perpetuating a narrative of blind allegiance. It is evident that the governing party has succeeded in brainwashing many within the Cultural & Creative Industries, coaxing them into forgetting their fundamental duty to society – to amplify the voices of the marginalized and challenge the status quo.

In the wake of the National & Provincial Election on 29 May 2024, a seismic shift is palpable. It is a moment pregnant with possibility, a chance for introspection and redefinition. As artists and practitioners, we must seize this opportunity to shed the mentality of self-preservation and embrace our role as catalysts for change.

The past three decades have been marked by neglect and disregard for the Cultural & Creative Industries by the ruling political party. Despite the richness of our cultural tapestry and the immense talent within our midst, successive governments have failed to recognize and nurture this vital sector. It is time to break free from the cycle of dependency and forge a new path forward.

Our collective memory must serve as a guiding light, illuminating the mistakes of the past and informing our future endeavours. We cannot afford to remain complacent, complicit in the perpetuation of mediocrity. Instead, we must harness the power of our creativity to demand accountability, transparency, and meaningful change.

The landscape of the Cultural & Creative Industries in South Africa is ripe for transformation. We have the opportunity to redefine our role and responsibilities, to reimagine the possibilities, and to carve out a space where innovation and excellence thrive. Let us learn from the failures of the past and chart a new course, one defined by integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to our craft.

As we embark on this journey of renewal, let us reject the divisive rhetoric of the past and embrace a spirit of collaboration and solidarity. Let us cast aside the chains of political indoctrination and reclaim our autonomy as artists and practitioners. Let us speak truth to power, not as protectors of the status quo, but as champions of change.

The time for action is now. Let us rise to the occasion, united in our resolve to shape a future where the Cultural & Creative Industries in South Africa flourish and thrive. Together, we have the power to craft a new narrative, one defined by passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Thami aka Mbongo
akambongo@gmail.com
akaMbongo Foundation Pty Ltd
http://www.akambongo.co.za

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Thami aka Mbongo writes on his personal capacity.