Artist lobbies youth vote for ANC

The artists union leader has credited the ANC government with improving the livelihood of artists in the province byboking them to perform in events

Creative Workers Union of South Africa (CWUSA) leader in the Free State, Kopano Mokoena, has appealed to young people, including artists and performers, to register for next year’s elections and throw their weight behind the ANC.

Mokoena, popularly known as ‘Player’, said it was important for young people to embrace the freedom that artists and performers fought for, against the apartheid regime.

“Artists have always supported the ruling party’s fight against the apartheid regime and this has been like a mandate to us. We still uphold that mandate and we therefore urge our people to vote for the ANC.”

He voiced a need for young people to appreciate everything that the ANC has done for the poor in South Africa.

“The only way for us to continue seeing more of what the ANC has done for the poor is to keep on voting for it; this will also ensure that young people continue to be empowered.”

CWUSA has also called on the ANC to take care of art industry legends, lamenting that some of them have fallen on hard times. He praised the ANC-led provincial government of Ace Magashule for delivering basic services such as housing, electricity and sanitation as well as empowering young people through bursaries and supporting their SMMEs.

“The government under the leadership of Premier Ace Magashule has been good to the people; no one can complain. Magashule is the first leader to embrace the Batho Pele principle and build struggle heroes houses.

“That’s why we are calling on him to remember Free State’s legends (artists) who also fought for this freedom. We support him as the ANC and provincial government leader; he has been a true leader and should be left to lead this province,” added Mokoena.

Earlier this month Mokoena, who had been at the forefront of corruption marches against ANC leaders, pleaded with Magashule to forgive his indiscretion. He said he was being used by self-seeking people with nefarious agendas to discredit the ANC and its leadership.

“I was being used. I have seen that I made a mistake by attacking the hardworking premier who is sensitive to the needs of the poor. Magashule is unique and we must let people know that he has done a lot to develop the black child.”

He said both Magashule and Metsimaholo Local Municipality executive mayor, Brutus Mahlaku, need to be given more credit for the gains they made over the past few years since they assumed power.

“It is because of people like Mahlaku and Magashule that artists in Fezile Dabi are getting recognition from state entities. We can now perform and showcase our talent at events like Macufe because of him.”

CWUSA is planning to embark on a campaign to urge young people to vote.

“Art is universal and all of the artists should thank ANC of Mandela, Hani, Sisulu and Tambo by voting it into power to continue ruling the country. There is no other party which has been as supportive to artists as the ANC. We call on everybody to go and register to vote,” concluded Mokoena.