Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal has issued a statement in which it joined billions of people all over the world in congratulating Zakes Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode and Wouter Kellerman for scooping the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance at the 65th Grammy Awards.
“In particular, we wish to single out Zakes Bantwini, as the son of KwaZulu-Natal, for endless praises. He has put our province firmly on the global map.
“Undoubtedly, the people of this province are proud to be associated with such a creative talent whose work has been recognized by the global entertainment and media industry which is worth more than 2.3 trillion US dollars.
“Importantly, the people of this province are inspired by the fact that Zakes Bantwini has managed to reach the highest of artistic achievement, as a DJ, a composer and a graduate from the Durban University of Technology,” reads the statement.
The ANC said the amount of respect showed by the global community and praises heaped on him was a clear indication that “we have a collective responsibility as the people of this province to protect and promote our heroes and heroine”.
“It is through them that the world get to know who we are as the people of KwaZulu-Natal. We are a nation that is endowed with diverse cultures that make KZN a world in one.
“We acknowledge with pride Zakes Bantwini’s efforts to use his talent to present to the world the rich cultural heritage that we all share across the cultural and racial divide.
“The work behind the hit Bayethe should inspire us all and importantly, it shows that we stand a better chance of experiencing prosperity in a rapidly changing global environment.
“Our province is rich in history, heritage sites and entities that cross the cultural divide. We need to cherish, preserve and market this to the whole world.”
The statement also congratulated his business associates, wife, family and friends.
“As the ANC, we express our appreciation, on behalf of ANC structures, to Nomcebo Zikode, Wouter Kellerman and many other individuals in the entertainment industry who collaborated with Zakes Bantwini.”