Kwaito star L'vovo Derrango. Gallo Images/Sowetan/Sibongile Mashaba
JOHANNESBURG - The entertainment industry needs to acknowledge its own failure, says Jack Devnarain.
“We have failed to provide social security for our creatives,” he says.
His comments come after members of the public took to social media to raise funds for musician Thokozani Ndlovu, better known as L’Vovo.
Ndlovu suffered a near-fatal stroke in December 2022, forcing him to step away from the spotlight to focus on his recovery.
He had been performing at a show in Ndwedwe when he suffered the stroke, which left the left side of his body weakened and affected his speech.
Last week, Ndlovu gave an emotional interview to Gagasi FM, prompting social media user Yenziwe Qiniso Ndimande to launch a fundraising campaign.
She wrote on Facebook: “Please note that L’Vovo did not ask for donations. Many people were touched by his interview, and from there, we decided to come together and support him.”
READ: Ubuntu in action as Mzansi raises over R150,000 for L'vovo
Within hours, more than R100,000 had been raised. By the end of the week, that amount had doubled.
Devnarain said the news of Ndlovu’s health struggles had been unsettling.
“He is one of those iconic performers. He is recognised and celebrated,” he said.
“To hear that he’s going through this difficult time is where the industry itself needs to acknowledge its own failure.”
Devnarain said the industry has failed to establish structures to regulate the entertainment sector.
He said these structures would ensure that creatives’ earnings and workers’ rights are protected by law.
“We have petitioned the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, which has failed to introduce the necessary safeguards,” he said.