Question NW549 to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
04 March 2025 - NW549
McGluwa, Mr JJ to ask the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
(1). Whether his department has any association with the 2024 edition of the Durban Music Festival which was headlined by Rick Ross; if not, what (a) are the implications for the Festival organisers and Rick Ross misrepresenting the department at the event and (b) consequences might they face for using the logo of the department without permission; if so, what (i) are the reasons that his department is reportedly distancing itself from the Festival and (ii) is his department’s position on supporting local artists versus international acts?
Reply:
. 1. My department did not support the Durban Music Festival of 2024.
(a) I am not aware of the organisers and Rick Ross misrepresenting the Department.
(b) My department will attend to the matter if it receives full details of such allegations. I am, however, happy to admit that I am personally a fan of Rick Ross and would welcome his return to perform in South Africa again.
(i) The department supports festivals through an application process. If the proposal is approved, the department would then associate with such a project through a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the beneficiary.
(ii) The department creates an enabling environment for local artists. Where organisers invite international artists, it is the prerogative of such organisers to do so. It should also be highlighted that South African artists receive international invitations to perform in various countries.