In unprecedented manner, seven organisations in the cultural and creative sector have joined hands to stage a fundraising benefit concert for the affected communities in KZN on June 18, 2022. The Concert, which will have over 30 concerned artists performing, is targeting to attract 20,000 people, preferably at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, and aims to raise at least R10 million through ticket sales and pledges.
This concert comes after the devastating floods, resulted in 435 people losing their lives, 54 reported missing, 55 injured, 6 278 left homeless, 17,438 households destroyed,121,687 people affected and 7,490 people living in shelters. A statement by the Premier of KZN, Hon. Sihle Zikalala, further indicated that the R1 billion relief fund set aside was not enough to address the extent of the damage and devastation caused by the floods,
The National Arts Council (NAC), in partnership with the SABC, Gearhouse SA, SAMRO, CAPASSO, SAMPRA, CCIFSA, CCIFSA KZN, Doo More Foundation, and supported by several concerned artists across the length and breadth of South Africa, have heeded the call to action and are joining hands to stage a Flood Benefit Concert on June 18, 2022, in Durban.
Commenting on why the NAC took the initiative and invited other sector entities to join hands, the Chairperson of the NAC, H.R.H. Princess Celenhle Dlamini said; “Firstly, as the National Arts Council, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all families who have lost their loved ones through this devastating period, as well as those injured and who have lost so much. We cannot even begin to imagine the grief, suffering and despair that the communities affected by these floods are enduring.
“As an organisation, all we have is our arts and cultural currency, which is the artistic community that we serve. So It was natural that our contribution to the two affected provinces (KZN and EC) could be made possible through bringing together the various arts industry organisations, artists, public and private sector to create this magical musical line up, that we hope will bring hope, joy and healing to all the affected victims.
“We are sincerely grateful to all organisations and individuals who are continuing to respond positively to our invitation to participate in this fundraising concert and we will continue to invite more organisations to join hands with the arts industry in this noble venture. All proceeds of the concert and monetary pledges will be given to the a charity organisation agreed between the parties and eThekwini Municipality”.
The SABC CEO, Madoda Mxakwe, said: “Our role as the SABC is critical in providing reliable life-saving information and restoring the dignity of the citizens amid national disasters such as those witnessed in KwaZulu-Natal recently. As the SABC we are to link to various businesses and stakeholders who can assist during a disaster such as this one. The benefit concert aimed at raising funds to alleviate the catastrophic situation that befell KZN citizens is yet another opportunity for the SABC to positively impact our communities through our mandate, to ensure that vulnerable citizens are supported.”
Echoing the same sentiments on why they also raised their hands and participated in this noble venture, SAMRO Chairperson Nicholas Maweni, said: “Throughout history, musicians have been the voice of those in need, and in South Africa today there is no greater need than that of those affected by the catastrophic floods in KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape. SAMRO is proud to be part of this initiative to raise awareness and garner aid for those impacted, and to support our members in being their voice".
SAMPRA CEO, Pfanani Lishivha, adds: “As Africa’s leading Neighbouring Rights Collective Management Organisation, SAMPRA extends heartfelt condolences to friends and families who lost their loved ones, their homes and belongings in the floods that ravaged many homes in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape last month. It is our sincere wish that proceeds from this benefit concert will assist families who have suffered to much loss. As SAMPRA, we are proud to be part of this selfless project whose sole objective is to assist affected families and communities to rebuild and recover from the devastating floods.”
Without the technical expertise and audio-visual solution, a concert of this magnitude would not have been possible without the contribution by Gearhouse SA. The Chairperson of Gearhouse, Nkosinathi Biko, said; “Gearhouse is pleased to be part of this important initiative, aimed at bringing much-needed relief to our fellow citizens, who are victims of the recent floods in KZN and parts of the Eastern Cape. As with liberation, it is when all of us put our shoulder to the wheel that we shall be triumphant over our adversaries”.
Representing the cultural and creative sector in the Province, CCIFSA KZN joined in to express their gratitude for the initiative by the music industry and stated; “Our core mandate is to ensure that the creative sector plays a vital role in community support and developmental activities in areas of economy, business, governance and community affairs.
“We therefore commit our support to this initiative as it creates a platform to give back to those who need this help the most, as affected by the disaster. To the NAC, we highly appreciate your support during this period and we welcome every bit of assistance you offer to the KZN community.”
CAPASSO CEO, Jotam Matariro, said: “The devastating floods that hit and affected the people of Kwa-Zulu Natal claimed many lives and left many without homes. We would like to express our heartfelt sympathies to all families who lost their loved ones and were affected by the floods.
“When the call was made to be part of the Arise Benefit Concert, we heeded the call and as CAPASSO we offer our support to the concert that will assist those affected by the floods. As South Africa’s music mechanical rights and licensing organization, we pledge our support in aid to re-build and assist through our organisation who heart is founded by our composers, authors and publishers. The creative industry has united with the aim of supporting and coming to the aid of our people.”
Dr Sipho Sithole, stated that wide consultation with the sector was done to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive list of artists across genres agreed upon. A total of 34 artists, who upon being approached have raised their hands and made themselves available to perform at the Arise Benefit Concert, at the main stage A further 17 artists and 4 MCs have presented by Dj Boonu’s Doo More Foundation to perform at a parallel stage within the stadium precinct.”
All hands are on deck to ensure that the concert raises R10 million from ticket sales and pledges, which will be channelled to the affected communities, through a charity organisation yet to be agreed upon by all parties concerned. Twenty-percent (20%) from the funds raised will be earmarked to assist the artist community that was also affected by the floods.
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