KZN in talks with SABC over cost of hosting annual Metro FM awards

Ceremony delayed as issue is sorted

Cost-cutting measures at the KwaZulu-Natal department of economic development, tourism and environmental affairs are affecting the schedule of 2018 Metro FM Music Awards.

The awards hosted in partnership with eThekwini municipality in Durban in the past years, are being delayed this year.

Departmental spokesman Bongani Tembe said: “Engagements between our department and SABC are currently taking place with a view of cutting costs for hosting the Metro FM awards in the province.

“We did a similar exercise before the awards took place last year [in February] and this is part of the cost-cutting measures adopted by both the central and provincial governments.

“We want to highlight that we have been working well with the senior management of SABC who understand fully the importance of adhering to the cost-cutting measures which are currently being implemented by government.”

However, SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago insisted the awards were not in a crisis over the funding issue.

“We are tying up issues on our side. For us it’s not a big problem [funding], we just want to make sure that when we announce it, it is something we are sure about and not open ourselves up for lastminute changes,” Kganyago said.

He could not disclose if the awards would be held in Durban again this year but said the SABC was open to have the glamourous event held in any province.