Following the North Gauteng High Court ruling this afternoon, the Department of Arts and Culture is pursuing legal action to recover its funds from Morris Roda which were dispersed according to a memorandum of agreement relating to the department’s financial contribution to the tribute events. Summons will be issued before the close of business on 6 November 2009 to demand the repayment of the money that was transferred by the department.
In terms of the court order, Morris Roda is not entitled to use the name and logo of the department to promote their tribute events. This is in line with the department’s position that it has withdrawn its support from the commemorative events planned for the 7 to 9 November.
The department reiterates that it has cancelled its contract with Morris Roda based on an alleged material breach of contract by Morris Roda. Our cancellation is consistent with our earlier statement that the department had not been provided with the necessary assurances as to the state of readiness that would have made this event possible.
The department maintains that Morris Roda had not obtained other sponsorship when he had represented that he already had co-sponsors for the event as a whole.
The department will still honour Mama Africa for her everlasting contributions to our rich musical heritage in the near future.
Director-General of the Department of Arts and Culture, Mr Themba Wakashe, said that, “In line with government’s commitment to honour our country’s icons, we shall continue to ensure that commemorations and tributes are done in a transparent manner. We shall continue to hold persons entrusted with the management for such events accountable.”
Enquiries:
Lisa Combrinck
Tel: 012 441 3144
Cell: 082 821 4886
Mack Lewele
Tel: 012 441 3083
Cell: 082 450 5076
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
5 November 2009
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za/)
