Mayor used, dumped me

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Modise said he initially charged R20 000 for performing and judging auditions, but was told the municipality could not afford the fee. He subsequently reduced the amount to R15 000, but has since been paid only R5 000.

It does not mean if we are from the bundus and small towns people can do as they please with our talent and get away with it. The amount they owe me does not include performing at the actual festival, which they say was cancelled because of the water shortage crisis.

I was recruited in June to be one of the auditioning judges and perform during the preparations and build-up to the festival.

An associate of the mayor, QwaQwa Radio presenter Veli Mvololo Moloi, acted as the middle man between me and Tshabalala.

The mayor actually used the build-up to the festival to campaign for the local government elections under the ANC banner. We were used to canvass votes for the ANC. The mayor was always present in the company of the radio presenter during auditions, urging people to vote for the ANC. They robbed us, I want my money.”

Modise said after Tshabalala was elected for a second term, he cancelled the festival without giving reasons and no longer takes his and the radio presenter’s calls. The muso said he had heard from locals that the festival was cancelled because of shortage of water.

The shortage of water happens every time in this part of the world, but life goes on. I performed all over QwaQwa, in Phutaditjhaba, Harrismith and Kestel.”

Go-between Moloi confirmed the mayor was not answering his calls either, nor was he replying to text and WhatsApp messages.

Yes, I was with him during the preparations but I have also not been paid. I am in the dark. The mayor has made life difficult for me, he has created enemies for me,” said Moloi.

I understand that the R11million budgeted for the festival has gone to alleviating the water shortage crisis.”

Tshabalala s phone rang unanswered this week and he did not reply to text messages.

mtshazox@sundayworld. co.za