This, as the group this morning took to the streets and picketed outside Premier Sisi Ntombela's house.

The provincial coordinator of the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) in the Free State, Mbuyiselo Nqodi, tells OFM News Ntombela has since promised them that Mthethwa would come address them, but he has failed to do so.

He says the plight faced by artists in the province has for years been ignored and they are now resolute that Mthethwa must come and address them.

Nqodi says they want the current artistic director and acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Meshack Xaba, to vacate his office.

Xaba is accused of maladministration, favouritism, and turning a blind eye on the needs of artists.

OFM News previously reported that Xaba was appointed in his position in late 2020 following the suspension of the former Pacofs CEO, Peter Pedlar, pending an investigation into his conduct.

The picket outside Ntombela's house comes just days before the MEC for Arts and Culture, Limakatso Mahasa, is expected to table her department's 2021/22 budget and outline a plan for the province.

Nqodi, speaking on behalf of the artists, however says they have lost hope in Mahasa and her leadership.

He says their call have for years fallen on deaf ears.

OFM News