Dakada tells water authority: Pay me for job done

arts and culture festival.

“For the provincial event I was selected to participate as an adjudicator. VETERAN stage actor and playwright This event took two days in Khanyiso Billy Dakada is accusing June and expected payment for this the department of water and was R1 000 for both days,” he said. sanitation of reneging on an agreement “For the national event I was selected to pay him for services he as a mentor to the drama rendered at two of their events recently. groups who went through to the finals. I was also there for two days

Dakada said he was selected by the expecting R3 000 for both days,” department to participate in the Dakada said. Baswa Le Meeste (provincial and national) The provincial event was held in Ginsberg and Bhisho.

Baswa Le Meeste festival recognises the efforts of school pupils who educate society about integrated water resource management, promoting efficient use of water as well as health and hygiene.

This is carried over through traditional music, poetry, praisesinging, drama and drawing.

Dakada said he was told to compile a report of his work and submit it together with an invoice before payment could be processed for the provincial event.

“I submitted the report and invoice. Feedback from the department was that I need to submit a different report that does not have any negative comments,” Dakada said.

The provincial office had facilitated his trip to Johannesburg, but when he asked them about payment he was told that he was paid for flights and hotel accommodation.

“How can that be payment?”

“Then they told me that I should take it up with the national office because no one had proof that I did any work. But people actually saw me guide the groups. If I did not work why did they keep me there and not send me home?, Dakada asked.

The department’s communication head Thandile Ngcume, said they were investigating the matter and had been corresponding with Dakada to resolve the issue. — ziphon@dispatch.