Union backs Winnie

2010-01-26 22:27

Michael Hamlyn

Cape Town - The Creative Workers Union of South Africa, which represents people in music and the performing arts, has leapt to the defence of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and is backing her attempts to have a film of her life halted.

The union is calling for new laws "to protect South Africa's heritage and talent by passing legislation that clearly defines the parameters within the film making industry".

"The failure by our government to heed this call will lead to many controversies similar to Mama Mandela's fiasco," a statement issued on Tuesday said.

"This should be a wake up call for action for leaders whom we have entrusted with responsibilities to lead us and advance programmes that seeks to address the imbalances of the past and simultaneously maintaining the dignity and integrity of our icons."

The union said that the actions of the two producers (Darrel Roodt and Andre Pieterse) are clearly an insult not only to Madikizela-Mandela, but to the people of SA who adore her, and see her as inspiration in the many class struggles waged by the working class and the poor post the 1994 democratic breakthrough.

Disgusting

"It is disgusting that some of our film producers are using our struggle heroes and heroines and the South African liberation stories as a scheme to cash in millions without consulting the relevant leaders and their families."

In December, the union expressed anger at the fact that American actor Jennifer Hudson has been cast to Madikizela-Mandela in the film.

"We reiterate our call that Mama Winnie's role in a biopic should be given to a South African actress so that we give impetus to the Proudly South African campaign," the union said.

"Our country's talent is in abundance and should not be undermined in the interests of chasing profits margins."

- I-Net Bridge (News24)

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