By Motshwari Mo Mofokeng |
The future of the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) is now uncertain following the establishment of a new artists’ movement that asserts it will take over the representation of creatives nationwide.
During the week, the newly established Artist United (AU) officially unveiled its inaugural provincial leadership in KwaZulu-Natal during a gathering at KZN Music House, marking the commencement of what its founders describe as a comprehensive restructuring of artist representation across the country.
AU founder Owen Ndlovu stated that the organization aims to address what he perceives as a leadership void in the creative sector.
“In all matters concerning artists, it will be AU that advocates for them and champions their rights,” Ndlovu remarked. “The leadership we introduced in KwaZulu-Natal primarily consists of former CCIFSA members who have now aligned with AU. We will soon implement leadership frameworks in other provinces to ensure that artists throughout South Africa have a new home.”
Conversely, CCIFSA leadership has dismissed claims that the federation has disbanded.
CCIFSA president Joy Mbewana affirmed that the federation remains operational despite facing financial difficulties following the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s cessation of funding.
“AU has made significant strides in highlighting exploitation within the industry, and we endorse their efforts,” Mbewana stated. “However, it is inaccurate to claim that CCIFSA is no longer in existence. Our primary obstacle is that Minister Gayton McKenzie halted our funding and labeled us as thieves while initiating an investigation. The findings have yet to be disclosed, and our offices were forced to close due to an inability to cover operational expenses.”
KwaZulu-Natal CCIFSA chairperson Thokozani “Tzozo” Zulu maintained that AU is merely a smaller segment within the larger arts framework.
“AU primarily focuses on the music sector, whereas CCIFSA encompasses all artistic disciplines,” Zulu explained. “They will continue to report to us.”
Ndlovu, however, contests this perspective.
