Mzwakhe Mbuli boldly declares that the SABC can take a one-way trip to the fiery depths of hell. – Photo: Gallo Images

The SABC appears to have clung to its outdated and oppressive ways, imposing strict limitations on the tunes that grace its airwaves. This archaic approach has resulted in the omission of countless tracks that fail to align with the broadcaster’s narrow-minded interpretation of content regulation. It seems that the SABC will persist in banning music that ruffles the feathers of the self-important individuals who saunter through the halls of authority.

By Themba Khumalo

The SABC has been accused of trying to silence the powerful voice of Mzwakhe Mbuli, a celebrated poet and activist, for daring to speak out about the contentious topics of land and wealth distribution in South Africa.

But Mbuli, a true maverick, has stood his ground and declared that his words are his own, untainted by any outside forces.

His Vuka Darkie album is a powerful expression of his views on white monopoly capital, land restitution, and the heartbreaking betrayal of the African people’s fight for freedom. Through this album, he has created a space to share his insightful socio-political commentary on these crucial issues.

It is a real shame that the SABC opted to stifle the profound messages that were woven throughout the album.

The SABC underlings may be quivering in their boots, for Mbuli’s Vuka Darkie boldly declares that the end of apartheid did not spell the end of destitution, the economy is still in the hands of the white elite, and the minerals remain monopolized by the very same oppressors of yesteryear.

“They are afraid because the message of Vuka Darkie is clear when it says the end of apartheid did not end poverty. The economy is still in white hands, minerals are still in white hands, Vuka darkie, walala wasala,” Mbuli confidently declared with unwavering conviction.

Mbuli says his creative endeavours were severely hindered during the dark days of apartheid, and to his utter astonishment, he continues to feel the weight of censorship in a South Africa that is supposed to be free.

“During the dark days of apartheid, I was deemed a troublemaker and was subjected to a ban. I faced the wrath of bullets and even had my humble abode bombed. However, my ultimate weapon has always been my words. It’s hard to imagine that under the oppressive regime, this album would have never seen the light of day. Although we have achieved political freedom, the shackles of poverty still hold us captive,” he states.

He boldly declares that he shall never sugar-coat the harsh realities of the tumultuous times that have plagued the nation since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

The People’s Poet says he is determined to keep the conversation going about the perplexing paradoxes that plague the rainbow nation, particularly the plight of the native people who are unjustly stripped of their ancestral lands. He refuses to be silenced and will continue to raise awareness about this pressing issue.

Mbuli does not mince his words: “Some folks out there deserve to face the music for their involvement in apartheid-related offenses. I gave FW de Klerk a good tongue-lashing, and according to Oxfam’s latest findings, South Africa is still grappling with a trifecta of issues: destitution, bigotry, and disparity.”

Listen up, all you sycophants with delicate egos! The SABC is not your run-of-the-mill media outlet. Unlike those private TV channels and radio stations, the SABC is not in the business of making decisions based on ideology or pandering to the whims of the elite.

No, no, no! The SABC is a public broadcaster, charged with serving all South Africans, regardless of their political leanings. So, let us get with the program, shall we?