Public calls for accountability have grown after an investigative report into the Thanda Choir raised serious allegations about how the organisation is run.
Image: Facebook/ Thanda Choir
The Thanda Choir was the subject of a “Carte Blanche” investigation aired on Sunday, April 19.
The segment titled “Choir Captured” exposed allegations of exploitation and modern-day slavery against the choir management.
Reports from the investigation raised concerns about financial practices within the choir.
The group is marketed as a global success, performing in cities such as Paris and Rio de Janeiro, but members allegedly struggle to survive, with some earning as little as R400 a month.
Management representatives, Julio Teixeira and Luke Bernhadi, said that all income from performances is returned to the choir operations. The investigators questioned the transparency of the financial records provided.
Former members and observers described a cycle of poverty and alleged intimidation. One former member, Prince Maqhajana, said that his music was used without his knowledge or consent.
The choir is portrayed as a global sensation on social media, but the investigation highlighted the contrast between its international acclaim and the alleged hardships singers face at home.
Public reactions on social media called for accountability and government attention.
Tumi Sole wrote: “This is shocking. The Minister of Arts needs to come in. Our people are treated with serious contempt”.
Andile Ncube wrote: “This is sad. We are on our own”.
He added, “We are truly on our own. Go to school, kids. Sing, dance, perform for your families for the love of it, not the system. Sello sang ‘We miss you, Mandela’. Brenda gave us ‘black President’. Lucky reminded us, ‘I’m a prisoner’."
"Bra Hugh, Miriam, Letta, Caiphus, even Mafokate and storytellers like Gibson Kente & Mbongeni Ngema used their voices to fight for our freedom. Today, that same industry is ignored by the government it helped put in power. And now its children cry themselves to sleep.”
Phil Mphela wrote: “For all its mess, negative vibes, and evil tendencies, the people on this app have been calling out the red flags about that Thanda Choir. I have seen numerous tweets over the years asking if those choir members are getting their dues.”
Skuimtor wrote: “I think it’s shocking how the choir members are treated! R400 per month and a food voucher??? And using an excuse that members are drunk when paid more??”
Tainment wrote: “R400 per gig doesn’t sound bad, but only and only if it’s per gig. It seems to me that management takes half and the singers take half, which seems fair to me, considering that management still has to cover other costs.”