King stands up against porn

DIRECTOR Zwoluga Madega says he will continue with his plans to launch and film the first ever Venda pornography film on June 16, even though the Thulamela Municipality denied him access to the Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre.

Municipal spokesperson, Ndwamato Tshiila, says the municipality informed Madega of their decision on Friday.

According to Tshiila, Madega did not inform the municipality of the true nature of his film when he first applied to use the centre. “He said he was going to make a film about Venda culture,” he says.

Thiila says when the municipality found out that Madega planned to film pornography, they immediately revoked his permission to use the centre.

“We cannot allow him to film pornography at the arts and culture centre. We find it baffling that he continues his quest to make this movie.”

Madega says he received applications from more than 500 men and women who wanted to be porn stars and who wanted to be part of his project. He says his business, Hanzams Adult Entertainment Enterprise, is legal and registered with the South African Film and Publication Board.

CV contacted the board for comment, but by the time of going to print, the board was unable to comment.

According to Madega, his project will continue, no matter what happens and the launch and film date is still set for June 16. He said this film would focus on the Venda traditions and cultural beliefs.

“Applicants have to be older than 18 years and they have to be tested for HIV/aids as part of their auditions. We need all kinds of people to be part of this film project.”

Madega invokes the South African Constitution when asked about his critics. “People who want to shut down my project need to be reminded that we live in a democracy. The doors that were shut by Apartheid are now wide open. If you don’t like what we are doing, don’t watch the film, but don’t try to stop filming. We all have rights,” he says.

Chief Luvhaivhai Thisvhase, spokesperson for the Tshivhase royal family, told CV that the royal family was not pleased with Madega’s attempts to exploit the Venda culture.

“The Vhavenda culture, including the Minweda (traditional attire) is rooted in mythical and ancestral beliefs that reflect the pride of the Venda nation. We will not allow Madega to undermine and insult our culture by using our cultural symbols for evil,” he said.

The Venda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, says he officially disallowed the launch and filming of any so called “Venda traditional porn” and asked the Film and Publication Board to investigate the matter.

Ramabulana says the Vhembe District Municipality also distanced itself from this project.

“We cannot allow such things to happen here. If they are creating jobs, what kind of jobs are they creating?”