The committee appointed by Minister Ben Ngubane to seek resolution to the dispute around the recent production of the indigenous opera, Princess Magogo, has met with the various parties to the dispute.

Following an exploratory meeting with the legal representatives for each party, the committee members met with representatives of Opera Africa’s Board and management; representatives from the Board, management and committee of the KZN Philharmonic; representatives of the Durban Serenade Choir; soloists Ms. Linda Bukhosini, Ms. Sibongile Khumalo, Mr. William Silk, Mr. Bongani Tembe and Mr. Bongani Vilakazi; conductor Mr.Gerard Geist; director Mr. Themi Venturas; and the authors of the work Professor Khumalo, Professor Msimang and Mr. Michael Hankinson.

All parties expressed a genuine desire for this ground-breaking production to go forward and, in this spirit, it is hoped to open constructive negotiations.

The Ministerial Committee comprises Ms. Doreen Nteta, CEO of the National Arts Council of South Africa, Professor Andries Oliphant, Chairman of the Arts and Culture Trust, and Ms. Nicola Danby, CEO of Business and Arts South Africa. Mr. Anil Singh, the Minister’s legal adviser, attending the meetings as an observer.