Renowned South African actress Deli Malinga, best known for her powerful portrayal of MaMzobe on Umkhokha, has reached out to the public for financial assistance. The celebrated actress has been nominated for the African Female Actress of the Year award at the Ladies In Media Awards in Kenya, an incredible milestone in her career. However, despite the honor, she currently lacks the funds to attend the prestigious event.
Deli expressed her excitement and gratitude upon receiving the nomination, stating that the recognition holds great significance not just for her but for South Africa as a whole. She emphasized that this nomination represents all South African female actresses, her home province of KwaZulu-Natal, and the entire nation on the African stage. However, despite her enthusiasm, the financial burden threatens to hinder her journey to Kenya.
The veteran actress, who has also starred in popular productions such as Generations, Adulting, and Rhythm City, shared that she has exhausted all avenues in search of sponsorship. She has reached out to various stakeholders, including government entities and organizations, but has yet to secure the necessary support. Deli highlighted the expenses she needs to cover, including flights, meals, visa fees, and accommodation for the duration of the event from March 24 to April 1.
Deli’s appeal sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by artists in South Africa, particularly those in the entertainment industry. Many veteran actors, despite their years of contribution, often struggle with financial support for international recognition and career growth. This has sparked discussions about the lack of funding for creatives, with many believing that the government should step in to provide assistance in such cases.
Howard Msomi, Secretary of the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA), weighed in on the issue. He acknowledged that the current situation is unacceptable and that artists should not have to publicly appeal for donations to attend prestigious events. He urged the relevant stakeholders and government bodies to come together to find a long-term solution to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
While Deli remains hopeful that kind-hearted South Africans will step in to assist her, her plea also serves as a wake-up call for the industry. The lack of structured financial support for artists representing the country internationally remains a significant challenge. With the government and creative industry stakeholders now aware of her predicament, it remains to be seen whether they will take action to help Deli make her dream a reality.
As the deadline for her travel draws closer, fans and well-wishers are encouraged to support her in any way possible, ensuring that this talented actress gets the opportunity to shine on the international stage. With the right support, Deli Malinga could make history as one of South Africa’s finest talents recognized on the African continent.
