ANC KZN Tells Artists Loyalty Will Be Rewarded as Party Battles Political Setbacks
DURBAN – The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has delivered a clear message to artists seeking opportunities from the party: those who remained loyal during difficult times will be prioritised, while those who distanced themselves from the organisation should not expect the same level of support.
The remarks emerged during a recent meeting in Durban between ANC leaders and members of the entertainment industry, where artists and party officials engaged in a frank discussion about the challenges facing the sector and the relationship between performers and political organisations.
The conversation quickly turned to a sensitive issue that has long lingered beneath the surface of South African politics and entertainment: loyalty.
Several musicians reportedly questioned whether accepting performance bookings from rival political parties could jeopardise their relationship with the ANC.
The response from the party’s leadership was unambiguous.
Mike Mabuyakhulu, a member of the ANC KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team (PTT), said the organisation would naturally favour those who stood with it during some of its most challenging moments.
“The idiom says ‘it licks the one that licks it’ (one good turn deserves another). Therefore, it would hurt to be seen with people who were not working with us. In everything we have discussed, we must work with the people who stood by us,” Mabuyakhulu said.
Artists Push Back Over Payment Concerns
While the ANC emphasised loyalty, artists raised another issue that has repeatedly surfaced in political and entertainment circles: payment.
Representing artists in KwaZulu-Natal, Joy Mbewana argued that support must be a two-way relationship. She said artists who use their influence and platforms to promote political organisations should receive fair compensation for their work.
“When we are hired to post about the organisation, it is only right that we get paid for that work. For example, if you hire someone like Phuzekhemisi to post party content because he has a massive following, he must be compensated for that,” she said.
Her comments reflect growing frustration among some performers who claim the ANC has, on occasion, delayed payments or failed to pay artists altogether after events and promotional campaigns.
Several artists have also complained that they are sometimes expected to perform without immediate compensation, with promises that future opportunities or government-related work may follow.
A Different Political Landscape
The debate comes at a time when the ANC’s political influence in KwaZulu-Natal has been significantly weakened.
Following substantial electoral losses in the 2024 elections, the party now controls only three provincial government departments, a stark contrast to the era when it dominated the provincial political landscape.
For many artists, the changing balance of power has altered the calculations around political affiliations and performance opportunities.
There was a time when being associated with rival political parties could carry serious professional risks for entertainers who relied on ANC-linked events and government bookings.
When Artists Avoided Rival Political Parties
South Africa’s entertainment industry has a long history of complex relationships with political organisations.
One of the most memorable incidents involved the late gospel icon Deborah Fraser.
Fraser reportedly caused a stir after being booked for what turned out to be a Congress of the People (COPE) event in the Free State. Upon discovering it was a political rally, she is said to have become upset, refused to leave her vehicle and immediately departed. Known as a passionate and public supporter of the ANC, Fraser preferred to perform only at ANC events.
Maskandi artist Malusi Mbokazi was also known for carefully managing perceptions around political affiliations. According to reports, he would conceal his presence at Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) events until moments before taking the stage.
In one Women’s Month event in Amanzimtoti, he reportedly even hid his vehicle to avoid public attention.
The political sensitivities extended beyond individual artists.
At one stage, music producer and businessman DJ Tira reportedly prevented the popular group Big Nuz from performing at events linked to rival political organisations.
In one widely discussed incident, he allegedly returned a booking fee of R60,000 rather than allow the group to perform at an event in Nkandla.
Loyalty, Money and Survival
As KwaZulu-Natal’s political landscape continues to shift, the relationship between political parties and artists appears to be entering a new phase.
For the ANC, loyalty remains a valuable currency.
For artists, however, the conversation is increasingly centred on something more immediate: reliable payment and sustainable careers.
The Durban meeting exposed the growing tension between political allegiance and professional survival, highlighting a debate that is likely to intensify as parties compete for influence and entertainers navigate an increasingly uncertain economic environment.
