Tangeni Amupadhi
The death of kwaito star Makhendlas brings into sharp focus the culture of violence and unrelenting proliferation of guns in South Africa.
Behind the facade of success kwaito musicians are just as vulnerable to crime as the ordinary South African. Many can list incidents of criminal activities directed at them, particularly at performances.
Several artists contacted by the Mail & Guardian this week say they were not surprised that Makhendlas owned a gun because “what’s the alternative?”
In a country that boasts nine million licensed firearms and up to four million illegal weapons, most kwaito artists have taken to carrying guns, ostensibly to protect themselves at shows and in the normal course of living.
“To some owning a gun is a warning symbol,” says Theba of Skeem, “that you should not mess around with me.” Theba is awaiting approval for his handgun licence.
Theba laments the poor security at bashes, blaming promoters for discriminating against kwaito. “They (promoters) know most of our audience are from a culture of violence, but there is no protection.”
Another kwaito star, E’Smile, proclaims: “I’ll have to get a gun soon. If you don’t have it you’re not protected.” E’Smile, like other musicians, says at more than 90% of the bashes security is either non- existent or lax. “It is hectic out there, it’s not all glamour.” Oudameesta’s Lerato adds: “I don’t blame him for carrying a gun. We are targets.”
Theba says the situation should not be looked at in isolation – it started with 1976 and the attacks on young people by the apartheid security forces. “The environment is too violent. A gun is like a pocket knife nowadays.”
Latest police statistics state that an average of 16 000 firearm licences are approved every month.”It seems firearms are easy to get,” says director Martin Marx, who heads the police’s crime prevention in Soweto. Indeed, it is easy – a 16-year-old can get a gun licence under current legislation.
Crimes involving firearms are the fastest growing form of violence in South Africa. In 1996, 11 130 people were killed with a guns – 31 people a day – an increase of more than 50% from the previous year.
Isaac Diloro, well-known as Waco of Trybe, sums up: “We have to take care of ourselves. If you don’t protect yourself you become the victim.” However, producer Thembinkosi “Kyllex” Faku says musicians must stop promoting violence through their songs.