Kwa Zulu Natal Cancels Plans to Host South African Music Awards (SAMA)

The Economic Development and Tourism sector of Kwa Zulu Natal delivered a surprise announcement of halting the South African Music Awards (SAMA), on Wednesday. The prestigious awards were to be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 17th and 18th November, only 24 days away.

The eThekwwini executive mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, previously shared that the city anticipated a direct expenditure of R25 816 236 with the proceedings set to boost the City’s Gross Domestic Product by an estimated R63 million. The awards ceremony was also expected to generate over 150 job opportunities and featured performances from over 100 musicians.

Despite the economic boon, Siboniso Duma, the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, announced the cancellation post broad consultation with the executive council and various stakeholders. The decision follows scrutiny from opposition parties over the significant spending on the event by the provincial government.

The Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) expressed shock over the cancellation, stating, "We have a three-year contract with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs and will be consulting with them to find out what led to this decision and carve a way forward." This cancellation clouds the future of SAMA and leaves the province's hospitality sector, which had prepared for occupancy surge during the award period, high and dry.