13 January 2019
Arts And Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa institutes legal action against Mr Eugene Mthethwa for defamatory remarks made against him
Members of the press are hereby advised that the Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has instructed his attorneys to immediately initiate legal action against Mr Eugene Mthethwa for remarks made against the Minister at the memorial service of the late Mr Dan Tshanda this past Friday and repeated to a Sunday News publication that was published this Sunday.
Mr Eugene Mthethwa's statements are defamatory in nature, and are a blatant attempt to cause harm and impairment to the dignity and integrity of the person and office of Minister Mthethwa.
The Minister views these allegations in an extremely serious light and it apparent to this office that the motives of Mr Eugene Mthethwa are nefarious and opportunistic as the “threats” alleged by Mr Eugene Mthethwa are nothing more than a figment of his imagination. However these statements are extremely harmful and warrant Minister Mthethwa’s decision to seek relief from the courts of law.
It is deeply troubling that one would abuse a platform meant to eulogise and rightfully memoralise an African music icon in the form of Dan Tshanda in such a despicable manner.
Nevertheless Minister Mthethwa wishes to remind members of the public that the nation is still in mourning, as is the Department of Arts and Culture, and nothing should detract from this period of reflection on the life, times and legacy of the incomparable Dan Tshanda.
For further information, and interview requests please contact: Asanda Magaqa (Ms), Spokesperson for the Minister of Arts and Culture – 072 372 6807 and asandam@dac.gov.za