Simphiwe Dana defends Hlaudi’s 90% quota

Simphiwe Dana Picture: Via Simphiwe's Instagram
Simphiwe Dana Picture: Via Simphiwe's Instagram
Outspoken musician Simphiwe Dana may not be willing to defend all that SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng has done but she has praised him for implementing local quotas that "empower" the local entertainment industry and the people in it.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Simphiwe responded to comments made by journalist Stephen Grootes in an opinion piece appearing in the recently. The piece analysed Hlaudi and the several policies he has introduced at the SABC.

Describing how the local music and TV industry has suffered in recent years and how artists have been fighting for 22 years to transform the industry, Simphiwe said that the situation threatened to shut down nearly the entire entertainment industry, "with only a few exceptions remaining."

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While acknowledging that she "will not defend the COO of the SABC in the accusations levelled against him," Simphiwe called for people to acknowledge the good he has done for the local industry by implement increased local quotas.

"I will not go into the importance of culture. You either understand it or you don't. But, in the interest of growing local economies, let us not ridicule attempts to empower our people.... I plead with you that we protect the new quotas, for the benefit of all of us, as many South Africans are part of the value chain that benefits from monetizing our cultures," she wrote.

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Her comments came only hours before music veteran and activist Don Laka told a press briefing that the industry's fight for more local content continues and, if necessary, will be taken to the streets.

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