Drama As Macufe Committee asks SAPS not to approve C-2’s application for Soulful Sounds

The much anticipated 2022 edition of Macufe after two years hiatus due covid19 pandemic is back albeit with not much progress with just 61 days before the gospel festival which will kick start this year’s edition, has a very sharp and rather dangerous twist.

Following our article published on Monday in which we reported the technical team will be meeting, Step Up SA News has it in good authority that the meeting rather discussed C-2’s Soulful Sounds billed from 1 – 10 October 2022 at Old Grey Sports Ground. 

According to reliable sources privy to the developments, the committee resolved to lobby South African Police (SAPS) not to approve a request by C-2 which was submitted two weeks ago.

Another source said Vincent Khetha, Chief Director, Cultural Affairs has been tasked to engage Lieutenant General Lebeya to refuse their application despite SAPS officials who said they will have the capacity for all events like they had in the past.

If the SAPS don’t have the capacity for Macufe and Soulful Sounds they can ask TempeMilitary base to help.  

This is pure evil from people trusted with taxpayers’ money and they did the same thing last year when they unleashed State Security Agency on this publication.

A lawyer familiar with event management said if indeed this was discussed police should not entertain it.

“Each application must be assessed on its merits.”

For years there have always been other events in the same period and there has never been a shortage of police, should police decline this request based on capacity this will be embarrassing for the already tainted police. 

With a briefing session just over a week ago and the closing date for bidders on Friday, 5 August 2022 chances are the appointment of service providers will be made in the following week and the expectation is whichever companies are appointed will have to book artists, conduct district auditions and broker deals broadcasters, etc. It will be a huge mountain to climb but can they do it? 

They can’t play the man because they have failed to prepare for Macufe. They must hang their heads in shame. 

C-2 released their activity plan and confirmed the artists from day one to the very last day and this is business, not some charity game. 

Ben Moseme, Managing Director at C-2 said they will involve lawyers. 

“We will unleash lawyers on them, we will also apply for PAJA so they can release the minutes of that meeting so we get to understand what’s at play here.” 

Sello Pietersen, spokesperson for Free State Premier did not respond to our questions including if Vincent Khetha was tasked by the technical committee while Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, spokesperson for Free State SAPS said he will direct our questions to the relevant office.

This is a developing story.

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