A Miriam Makeba tribute concert, which was supposed to take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday, has been cancelled, organiser Morris Roda said on Friday.

"We were given the go-ahead to host this event, but had to cancel the concert due to logistical reasons," he said on Friday.

"Given the turn of events, we just did not have enough time to make sure that issues such as stage security, crowd security and other affairs were fixed.

"When a big occasion such as this occurs, we need a minimum of four days to make sure that everything is in order. Sadly, we were unable to meet our deadline," he said.

The concert may instead take place on December 16, but the new date would be finalised next week.

"It will take place, if not at the Union Buildings, then at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg, and it will still be free."

Cancellation due to court action

Roda said the cancellation was partly because of court action by both the Department of Arts and Culture, and his production company.

Each brought an urgent application in the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, but by late afternoon had reached a provisional compromise.

Acting Judge Neil Tuchten granted an order interdicting the department from interfering in the event. Morris Roda Productions was, in turn, forbidden to distribute any material stating that the department was a sponsor of the event.

The parties were given 30 days in which to institute legal action against each other.

The department intends suing the production company for the return of R3-million it invested in the event. The organisers intend launching an application to force the department to honour its agreement.

"The way things happened are disgusting, not for myself, but for the country who are supposed to be rallying in celebration of her (Makeba's) life.

"I am actually depressed at the thought of how the custodians from the department have reacted," Roda said.

This country must honour Makeba

Makeba died aged 76 at the Veneto Verde hospital near Naples on 9 November last year after performing at the Castel Volturno. She collapsed while leaving the stage and was treated by paramedics, but died in hospital.

Roda said he spoke to Makeba while she was alive and told her that he wanted to plan a concert in her honour.

"Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get support then, while she was alive. But in her death, I will make sure that this country honours her.

He said that what the department did not realise was that 20 artists who were set to perform, did not get a chance to.

"The artists were all very sad. Busi Mhlongo (who was to perform) was in tears when she heard of the happenings in court. She just could not believe it. That R3-million is going to be used next time round.

Next concert to be bigger and better

"On the same note, we are going to make sure the next concert is bigger and better... we are busy finalising other artists to perform at the commemorative event."

Roda claims that he also had to inform overseas artists who were supposed to perform, what had happened. He did not name these artists.

"Can you imagine me telling artists who honoured and respected Mama, about what was going on?"

On Thursday, Makeba's family distanced itself from the court battle.

"In our view, the court proceedings... are unfortunate. They undermine what she stood for," her family said in a statement.

"We categorically disassociate ourselves as the family from the court process. We believe that any event organised in our grandmother's honour should be properly organised, dignified and free of controversy.

Her life and legacy to inspire

"We believe that her life and legacy should inspire us as a nation and be a unifying symbol."

Roda said he had not been in any contact with the Makeba family, but hoped they knew that what he was doing was for "their grandmother".

"I am sure they never expected it to go to courts. It's truly sad that it did," he said.

Independent publicity company, JT Comms, which was involved in the concert, expressed its distress at the recent events.

"It became increasingly clear over this week in particular that there are too many conflicts... what's more, the discord between the promoters and the department that has revealed itself over the past few days has created a circumstance which has made it difficult for us to continue, despite us having fulfilled our contractual obligations."

It regretted that the legacy of one of South Africa's icons had been associated with a project "as beset by problems as this one".

Sapa

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