Diepsloot resident says government must consider creatives

Local creatives in Diepsloot have described the government’s move to flatten the spiking curve of Covid-19 as the last nail in the coffin of a struggling art industry.

This after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new, adjusted Level 3 restrictions aimed at fighting the spread of the coronavirus.

Diepsloot Youth Programme coordinator, community activist, filmmaker and creative arts performer, Babikie Sathekge also known as Papi, said government should include creatives when making decisions.

He said, “Our country needs creatives more than ever as we go through this trying time of the Covid-19 pandemic. We, the artists, have the ability to restore hope through different ways, whether in music, poetry or theatre. Government should consider involving artists when making decisions going forward.”

Sathekge added that the industry was still bleeding because of the hard lockdown that the government introduced earlier last year and many creatives had lost their income which they use to support their families because of the restrictions.

“To be honest, these restrictions are affecting us as creatives and the art industry has been put into the coffin… these ever-changing restrictions has had a negative impact on our income.

“Stage performers, DJs and art teachers have been forced out of their jobs. Some of us have no food to give to our children and that is why I am saying government must consider the art industry that has suffered the most since the first days of the lockdown.”