Lebo Morake has moved to quell rumours about his non-performance as part of the consortium in charge of producing the opening and closing ceremonies for the World Cup. But the 20 reporters who attended the press conference at the Melrose Arch Hotel on Thursday left with little more than platitudes.
Sources close to the project told the Mail & Guardian two weeks ago that Morake was paid R5,7-million to walk away from the project after failing to make good on key promises.
A letter from Morake’s consortium partners, VWV Productions, to the local organising committee’s (LOC’s) chief marketing officer stated that Morake repeatedly missed deadlines and failed to collaborate adequately with other members of the creative team. The M&G has seen the letter.
But instead of addressing the allegations, Morake went to great pains to remind the gathered media of his track record in composing and producing music over the years and to express support for the World Cup.
Morake told reporters he could speak only on issues that affected him personally as those areas bound by the contract between his consortium partners and the LOC are subject to a confidentiality agreement.
He brushed off many of the issues raised as “malicious allegations” and “insignificant press clippings”. When pressed on the issue of his alleged R5,7-million payout, Morake laughed and said: “They are but allegations.” He wouldn’t speculate on the source of or reasons for the allegations, saying only: “Where that information comes from has nothing to do with me.”
Although he conceded that he and his consortium partners had “amicably agreed to part”, Morake said he had neither quit nor been fired. And despite evidence to the contrary, Morake maintained that he had delivered “120%” on his obligations as a co-executive producer of the event.