Latest news with #Mvelase
IOL News
02-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
The legacy facing NFVF's next CEO
Navigating Instability: The Future of the National Film & Video Foundation Image: Liam Daniel Industry insiders have warned that whoever steps into the role of CEO at the National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) will be inheriting a legacy marred by allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and ongoing legal battles, raising questions about its future stability and credibility within the South African film industry. The NFVF's leadership cycle has spiralled into chaos in less than a year. Vincent Blennies, who was appointed as the CEO of the foundation just last week, has abruptly resigned, citing personal reasons. His departure comes less than a year after the resignation of his predecessor, Acting CEO Thobeka Mayinje, who left amid an investigation into multiple allegations. Sources within the organisation suggest that these upheavals are symptomatic of deeper, systemic issues. Earlier this year, reports by IOL revealed troubling allegations against the NFVF, including the improper appointment of council members without adequate consultation, the allocation of funds to individuals with internal connections, and allegations of conflicts of interest influencing project decisions. Industry players' calls to audit the foundation also intensified, with industry stakeholders demanding greater transparency and accountability. Despite these concerns, Skhumbuzo Mvelase, the foundation's council spokesperson, defended the organisation amid the resignation of the CEO. When questioned about the ongoing instability, Mvelase stated: 'The CEO, Mr Vincent Blennies, resigned for personal reasons. The council, which appoints the CEO, respects his decision.' However, sources within the NFVF warn that the next CEO will have to grapple with significant challenges. 'The next leader will inherit a foundation plagued by long-standing issues, including questions about governance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of funds,' said one insider. 'Rebuilding trust within the industry will be paramount.' On allegations of lack of adequate funding following reports of nepotism, Mvelase highlighted that the NFVF disbursed R132 million in April to support film production, festivals, and distribution initiatives and that current funding calls remain open for industry applicants. Industry voices echo this concern. Cape Town-based writer and director Weeam Williams expressed her apprehension. 'Any individual stepping into the CEO role will inherit substantial issues related to corruption, nepotism, and ongoing legal proceedings. 'This situation has caused deep frustration among filmmakers who feel excluded from decision-making processes. The structure of the NFVF needs a complete overhaul to restore credibility.' Williams added that industry stakeholders have repeatedly attempted to engage with the NFVF through mediation but have yet to receive a response. 'Our goal, through organisations like the African Film DAO, is to find an amicable resolution that promotes transparency, merit-based funding, and a truly representative governance structure,' she said. Following Blennies' resignation, the Foundation issued a statement confirming that he stepped down from his role as CEO on May 27, 2025, just a month after his appointment in April. 'Rest assured that we, as your Council, are addressing the matter with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) and continue to work towards ensuring stability and growth within our organisation. 'Council encourages staff to keep a positive outlook, despite our challenges, and rest assured that we will communicate all relevant updates timeously.'
IOL News
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
TikToker shot dead while livestreaming with fans
Siqiniseko Mvelase, 27, a self-styled maskandi reviewer was at his house streaming live to his fans when a gunman accosted him and shot him multiple times. Image: Supplied IN a first for South Africa a TikToker, linked to the popular maskandi music genre, was shot dead during a TikTok livestream with his fans watching. Siqiniseko Mvelase, 27, a self-styled maskandi reviewer was at his house streaming live to his fans when a gunman accosted him and shot him multiple times on Thursday in Dunnator, Ekurhuleni, in Gauteng. In his dying moments on the livestream at 11:49am, Mvelase is seen looking up from his screen, while multiple gunshots go out shortly thereafter. His phone drops as the screen goes blank. Mvelase, originally from KwaMaphumulo in KwaZulu-Natal, was a huge fan of maskandi superstar Mthandeni Manqele, a rival of another maskandi superstar Khuzani Mpungose, and didn't hold back at lambasting the latter. He was kidnapped last year and last month said his account was hacked. Gauteng Saps spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the Dunnator police were investigating Mvelase's killing. "It is reported that the victim was sitting in his yard when accosted by an unknown suspect who shot at him multiple times before fleeing the scene. The motive for the attack is unknown at this stage and police investigations are underway. The deceased is said to have been a maskandi music reviewer on Tik Tok," said Colonel Nevhuhulwi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Siqiniseko Mvelase, 27, a self-styled maskandi music reviewer is arguably the first social media influencer to be killed while on a livestream with fans. Image: Supplied Even though Mvelase has become the first known person in the country to be killed while on a TikTok livestream, he is the second TikToker linked to the popular but toxic rivalry-infested maskandi to be gunned down in the past six months. In December, TikToker, Dubula Mbatha, 32, from KwaNongoma was shot dead at KwaSteve Carwash and Shisanyama in Malvern, Joburg. Like Mvelase, Mbatha was passionate about maskandi but was strongly opposed to those who didn't agree with his views and would regularly use expletives during his TikTok livestream to insult those he disagreed with. Cultural expert and music scholar, Dr Sipho Sithole, who was now a lecturer at Harvard University, USA, teaching Zulu and culture, said the problem started when maskandi artists started having massive support bases like soccer teams. Sithole had previously tried to intervene in the maskandi feuds and implored the artists to return to the roots of the genre. TikTok was awash with maskandi followers who are enmeshed in aggressive fandom where expletives, insults and misogyny were the order of the day. The toxic maskandi rivalry has claimed more than 10 lives. The feuds of maskandi fans started to get deadly during the heydays of two maskandi superstars and rivals, Mgqumeni and Mtshengiseni Gcwensa, whose rivalry claimed more than six lives. Their feud got so intense that Bhodloza Nzimande, the head of Ukhozi FM at the time was forced to ban their music on air, until they smoked the piece pipe. Mtshengiseni and Mgqumeni were also barred by Dumisani Goba, the founder of the South African Traditional Music Awards (Satma), from contesting in the awards, on condition of reconciling. They eventually reconciled in 2009, the same year that Mgqumeni died of natural causes, Mtshengiseni died in 2015. With the emergence of new maskandi superstars, Khuzani and Mthandeni, rose from its temporary slumber. In 2017, two maskandi fans were shot dead at Durban's Curries Fountain Stadium during the Nqoboka Maskandi Festival. The previous year, Lebohang Dlamini, Mxolisi Hlabeni and Lehlohonolo Mofokeng, who were members of the maskandi group Abafana BakaMolo Bangempela were shot dead. In this incident, speculation pointed to the rivalry between Xolani Mkhize and the leader of the splinter group Abafana BakaMolo, who were led by Gearbox Mtshali. "Even in reggae, when Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and Barney Wailer and others were still alive, there were no fans who said they like this artist and not this one, to a point where blood is spilled. "This shows that they now join the industry for fame, and not music. Where have you heard that Orlando Pirates, Chiefs of AmaZulu supporters have killed each other?" asked Dr Sithole. "You'd never see Snoop Dogg, Celine Dion or Chaka Khan writing on social media 'do you see how much people love me?' They (maskandi artists) even boast to artists who would play after them on stage. It's childish and ignorant. Another murder, and not for the first time," said Dr Sithole SUNDAY TRIBUNE
The Citizen
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Galaxy steal a point against Pirates in Orlando
The draw took the Buccaneers to 56 points, 14 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns who have already won the league title with a game to spare. Orlando Pirates began life without coach Jose Riveiro with a 1-1 draw against TS Galaxy in a Betway Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Bandile Shandu scored the opening goal for the Buccaneers and Mpho Mvelase grabbed the equaliser for The Rockets. The draw took the Buccaneers to 56 points, 14 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns who have already won the league title with a game to spare. Galaxy, on the other hand, remained fifth in the standings after recording their 11th draw of the campaign. The first half was a scrappy affair with most of the action taking place in the middle of the pitch and minimal chances were created by both teams. While Galaxy had several shots on goal, Pirates' only good chance of the half was a free kick awarded to them in a good position after the hour mark. And Deon Hotto's deflected shot was saved by Ira Tape. Prior to that Khayelihle Mncube tried his luck from long range in the 11th minute for Galaxy, but his shot went wide of goal before Sipho Chaine made a comfortable save to deny Kamogelo Sebelebele two minutes later. The score was 0-0 at the interval in Soweto. Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi made a surprise substitution at the start of the second half by taking out Chaine and replacing him with Melusi Buthelezi. His counterpart Adnan Beganovic also made one substitute, bringing in Mvelase for Khulumani Ndimane. Unlike in the first half, there was a sense of urgency in the second half from both teams as they went toe-to-toe looking for the opening goal. For 65 minutes Pirates had toiled, struggling to find a way past a dismal Galaxy side that has not won a game for over two months. But then came salvation through Bandile Shandu who finished off a good move started by Relebohile Mofokeng who found Mohau Nkota on the right and he in return laid a perfect pass to Shandu for an easy tap-in. Kabelo Dlamini almost doubled the Buccaneers lead in the 77th minute, but Tape was well-positioned to make a save. Substitute Keagan Dolly almost caught Buthelezi off-guard with a snap shot in the 81st minute, but his shot went wide of goal. Just when it looked like Pirates would take all the three points, Mvelase netted the equaliser in referee's optional time to take home a point from Orlando in the last game of the season.
