Thami akaMbongo Manzana: Equipping ourselves to speak truth to power in the cultural and creative industries.

The South African Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) are in a silent war – a war not only of recognition and economic justice but also of knowledge and power.

The fight we face as Black artists and practitioners is against a system that has been carefully structured to keep us in the dark while a select few continue to benefit.

Many of us enter the industry with passion and talent, only to find ourselves blocked by gatekeepers who manipulate policies, funding mechanisms, and governance structures to maintain their dominance. These are the individuals and institutions that ensure only a privileged few have access to state resources, while the rest are left struggling. Yet, these institutions exist under public laws that we, as citizens and cultural practitioners, have every right to interrogate and challenge.

Know the System, Know the Fight

To dismantle this structure, we must arm ourselves with knowledge. Understanding laws, policies, and governance frameworks is no longer optional – it is essential. The institutions that receive state funding operate under the Cultural Institutions Act and are further governed by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) because they are public entities. This means that they are accountable to the people, yet many of them function as if they are private clubs for an elite few.

But not all institutions are the same. Some fall under national government, others are provincial, while some are municipal. Knowing the difference determines where and how we challenge injustices. If an institution falls under local government, then municipal by-laws and funding structures apply. If it is provincial, different regulations and oversight mechanisms govern its operations. We must stop making blanket assumptions and start identifying the correct channels to hold these bodies accountable.

The System Fights Back

Make no mistake – when you begin to challenge this system, it will push back. It has mastered the art of silencing dissent, either through exclusion, smear campaigns, or deliberate misinformation.

Many “legends” in the industry – who once fought for change – are now silent because they are comfortable in their positions. Some who benefited from the struggle years now act as the new oppressors, refusing to support the new generation fighting for transformation.

This silent war is more dangerous than outright opposition. The so-called “Gods and Goddesses” of the industry believe they are the sole custodians of knowledge and wisdom. They refuse to recognize new leadership unless it aligns with their interests. This is the hidden battle that is killing the industry – the silence of those who know the truth but choose personal gain over collective justice.

History Reminds Us to Keep Fighting

Let us not be discouraged. History has shown that every great leader who challenged the status quo was met with resistance:

They never truly loved Nelson Mandela – until they could use his legacy to maintain their power.

They never agreed with Steve Biko – because his ideas of Black Consciousness threatened their control.

They refuse to recognize the leaders we admire – because they fear a future where we are no longer guided by them but think for ourselves.

The lesson? The fight for justice is never popular among those who benefit from injustice.

Vuka Mntu Omnyama!

The time has come for us to equip ourselves with wisdom, knowledge, and courage. We must challenge outdated systems, expose gatekeeping, and demand our rightful place in the industry. The future of South African arts and culture depends on those who are willing to speak truth to power, no matter the resistance.

Continue to challenge the status quo.

Continue to speak truth to power.

We are not asking for permission – we are reclaiming what is ours.

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

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Thami akaMbongo Manzana writes on his personal capacity.