The Director of MTN Bushfire 2012, Jiggs Thorne demands an immediate suspension of the cultural boycott to enable all parties to have an open and constructive discussion of the issues which face us all as Swazis. In an official statement, Thorne called on all those who value artistic freedom to support them. This follows news that Ringo Madlingozi has pulled out of the festival, which will be held from 25 - 27 May 2012.
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THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT
At MTN BUSHFIRE we are of course very aware of the current call for a cultural boycott of Swaziland. While we acknowledge the importance of engaging the cultural community in the debates about Swaziland's future we strongly believe that this is best achieved by welcoming artists with a range of voices and opinions to perform in our country as a component in the ongoing national debate. We will continue to defend our right to create opportunities for freedom of expression.
We note that the blanket ban on artists coming into Swaziland is unofficial and has been called without any consultation with the cultural community of Swaziland. We did not call for it, were not approached to discuss it, and we do not support it: it has been imposed on us.
The main question for us, Swazi arts practitioners, in seeking open debate and freedom of expression in Swaziland is: does isolation of Swaziland through a cultural boycott, that sharply reduces diversity of cultural expressions, serve the interests of democracy and a free society? Our answer is emphatic: NO.
The boycott risks threatening the livelihoods of innocent Swazis, and reduces the avenues for freedom of expression within Swaziland. It is a blunt tool, unfair and undemocratic. The Swazi cultural sector, with its contemporary arts festivals and shows, gives artists and performers a platform for diversity of cultural expression and creates opportunities for open debate. We therefore ask why this soft target is being punished by way of a call to a boycott?
The boycott unilaterally seeks to remove our basic human right to artistic freedom, and freedom of expression. We reject the notion that it is acceptable to compromise one set of human rights in pursuit of another. At this difficult time for Swaziland we seek to extend, not reduce, the opportunities for freedom of expression. The boycott seeks to reduce the range of voices which will be heard here.
We are consulting widely within the local and regional arts community on this issue in an attempt to
find consensus on a way forward.
We demand an immediate suspension of the cultural boycott to enable all parties to have an open and constructive discussion of the issues which face us all as Swazis. We call on all those who value artistic freedom to support us.
What are your thoughts on the cultural boycott? Is it still relevant?
Share your views with us below or email us swazidivas@yahoo.com, Follow us on Twitter or Find us on Facebook.
We want to hear from you!!
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THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT
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| Jiggs Thorne |
We note that the blanket ban on artists coming into Swaziland is unofficial and has been called without any consultation with the cultural community of Swaziland. We did not call for it, were not approached to discuss it, and we do not support it: it has been imposed on us.
The main question for us, Swazi arts practitioners, in seeking open debate and freedom of expression in Swaziland is: does isolation of Swaziland through a cultural boycott, that sharply reduces diversity of cultural expressions, serve the interests of democracy and a free society? Our answer is emphatic: NO.
The boycott risks threatening the livelihoods of innocent Swazis, and reduces the avenues for freedom of expression within Swaziland. It is a blunt tool, unfair and undemocratic. The Swazi cultural sector, with its contemporary arts festivals and shows, gives artists and performers a platform for diversity of cultural expression and creates opportunities for open debate. We therefore ask why this soft target is being punished by way of a call to a boycott?
The boycott unilaterally seeks to remove our basic human right to artistic freedom, and freedom of expression. We reject the notion that it is acceptable to compromise one set of human rights in pursuit of another. At this difficult time for Swaziland we seek to extend, not reduce, the opportunities for freedom of expression. The boycott seeks to reduce the range of voices which will be heard here.
We are consulting widely within the local and regional arts community on this issue in an attempt to
find consensus on a way forward.
We demand an immediate suspension of the cultural boycott to enable all parties to have an open and constructive discussion of the issues which face us all as Swazis. We call on all those who value artistic freedom to support us.
What are your thoughts on the cultural boycott? Is it still relevant?
Share your views with us below or email us swazidivas@yahoo.com, Follow us on Twitter or Find us on Facebook.
We want to hear from you!!
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