The group of artists and creatives staging a sit-in at National Arts Council (NAC) offices in Newtown, Johannesburg, has vowed to continue with staying there until their demands are met despite an order that they must vacate the premises.
The group said it was not shaken by the South Gauteng high court order handed down on Friday, ordering that they must immediately leave the premises, pending the finalisation of the dispute pertaining to the implementation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Progamme (PESP).
They have been at the offices for 40 days and are demanding transparency in the disseminating of the PESP funds.
The court also ordered that if the group breaches the order, the sheriff of the court is authorised to immediately effect the order by involving the relevant body, including the police, to execute it.
Leader of the group, opera singer Sibongile Mngoma, said: “They can bring Red Ants, army or police officers, we are not going anywhere. They will find us here.”
Mngoma said the sheriff arrived on Friday and when they refused to leave, the order was pasted on the walls in different parts of the office block.
When Sowetan visited the offices on Friday, everyone was on the phone, minding their own business, while a workshop was taking place on the other side.
The group said it survived the long stay because of good Samaritans who have been donating food, toiletry and money. Known as Abahlali base NAC (people who live at the NAC), the group has taken over the third floor and roof top of the building.
The two floors have been turned into a colourful crafts market with products made by artists on display, including art works, T-shirts, hoodies, hats, necklaces and bracelets.
The third floor is full of colourful posters and placards with powerful activist messages.
Evh’a Nteso, who has been at the sit-in since it started, said a normal day for them began with a breakfast of cornflakes, noodles or soup donated by people.
The 30 or so artists sleep on the floor in the boardroom and also use another small office.
The place has been kept tight and clean. The artists use staff toilets and a plastic washing dishes.
“Our day starts early because journalists wake us up wanting to speak to us. Sometimes we only sleep for three hours and wake up to get on with the programme of the day. From 10am we normally receive guests who visit us or we are on virtual meetings with international organisations.
“Sometimes we host a debate on my online TV channel. Our lunch and supper is donated by different people. Some of the local artists based overseas donate money for us to buy food. We use this opportunity to empower each other like educating those who cannot write proposals.”
Filmmaker, writer and musician Thoko Hlahla, who is also a mother, said: “I did not apply to PESP but I am here to fight for people who applied and those who could not apply because of the complicated application system. I’m here to fight for artists in the rural areas.”
Maskandi artist Shwi of Shwi Nomtekhala arrived to show support.
“We are all artists and we are affected. By being here, they are fighting for all of us.”
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