Lasizwe Calls for Change in South Africa’s Entertainment Industry

South African media personality and content creator Lasizwe Dambuza has shared his thoughts on the current state of South Africa’s arts and entertainment industry, saying there is an urgent need for change.

Lasizwe took to X following the 32nd annual South African Music Awards (SAMA32), which took place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Sun City SuperBowl in the North West.

The media personality first raised concerns about artists attending award ceremonies. Sharing his opinion on X, Lasizwe wrote, “Going forward, I think award ceremonies should seriously consider one simple rule: no show, no award. If the recognition matters, showing up to receive it should matter too. #SAMA32”

Going forward, I think award ceremonies should seriously consider one simple rule: no show, no award.

If the recognition matters, showing up to receive it should matter too. #SAMA32

— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) August 15, 2026

Minister @GaytonMcK, we need to have a serious conversation about the state of South Africa’s arts and entertainment industry.

What is happening?

Our award shows are declining. The entertainment value is declining. Corporate investment seems to be disappearing. And yet South…

— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) August 15, 2026

His comments did not stop there. In another post, Lasizwe directly tagged Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, calling for a serious conversation about the entertainment industry.

“we need to have a serious conversation about the state of South Africa’s arts and entertainment industry. What is happening?” he wrote.

Lasizwe questioned the decline of award shows, entertainment value and corporate investment, while pointing out that South Africa has the talent and skills needed to compete internationally.

“Our award shows are declining. The entertainment value is declining. Corporate investment seems to be disappearing. And yet South Africa has EVERYTHING it needs to produce world-class entertainment!”

He went on to highlight the country’s creatives, performers, producers, technical teams and technology, saying, “Haibo we have the talent, creatives, performers, producers, technical skills and technology.”

For Lasizwe, the bigger picture is about building an industry that can stand alongside major entertainment industries around the world.

“We were supposed to be building an industry capable of becoming Africa’s Hollywood and competing on the global stage,” he said.

Reflecting on his own connection to the SAMAs, Lasizwe added, “As someone in the entertainment industry who grew up watching the SAMAs, it’s genuinely disappointing to see where we are today.”

He also questioned where the investment in the industry has gone, asking whether corporates have stopped believing in entertainment and whether funding is reaching the people creating the work.

Despite his concerns, Lasizwe said he does not believe the industry has reached its lowest point. Instead, he sees the current situation as an opportunity to rebuild.

“I don’t think we’ve hit rock bottom, but this should be our turning point.”

He called on Minister McKenzie to bring government, broadcasters, corporates, artists, producers and creatives together to find solutions.

“Minister, we need you to step up. Bring government, broadcasters, corporates, artists, producers and creatives to the same table and figure out how we rebuild this industry.”

Lasizwe ended his message by stressing that South Africa already has what it needs to succeed.

“Because the talent is here. The skills are here. The ideas are here. We need the industry to match them.”

He then made a strong call for an investigation into the entertainment sector, saying, “And at this point, please establish a Malanga Commission of Inquiry into the entertainment industry because haibo something is not connecting.”