Press Release: EU Delegation to South Africa supports culture to combat corruption

Taking place at the historic Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, Ngeke! Festival will showcase two emerging South African artists who have won the Fair Play music contest to write and record an anti-corruption anthem. Out of over 70 entries, Onset Music Group and Xtreem Makhayeni won with their powerful songs that aim to shift hearts and minds on how South Africa deals with corruption. They will be joined by prominent artists Zoë Modiga and BCUC on 6 December to inspire South Africans from all walks of life, young and old, to stand strong against corruption and be part of the change.

This initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to fight corruption whether in the EU, South Africa or globally. Through the Enhancing Accountability Programme, the EU provides EUR 12M / R242M of funding and technical assistance to leading South African civil society organisations and state institutions that are at the forefront of building a more accountable and ethical state. 

More so, Ngeke! Festival is rooted in the EU's and South Africa’s common commitment to democratic governance and human rights, together with the power of culture to drive positive change. Through music, this initiative aims to engage citizens in anti-corruption efforts, ensuring it is a society-wide effort with accountability at its core.   

Visit www.ngeke.co.za for more information and to get free tickets.

About Fairplay

Fair Play is a global music initiative uniting young people in the fight against corruption and injustice. Created in 2010 it has reached 10 million people through 400 music videos by bands in over 90 different countries.  Fair Play has been held in Brazil, Belgium, Denmark, Kenya, Zimbabwe and many others. Now for the first time it comes to South Africa, empowering youth voices to create change through music, collaboration, and cultural action. Fair Play South Africa and the Ngeke! Festival is delivered by JM International, the European Union Delegation to South Africa, the EU funded Enhancing Accountability Technical Assistance Facility, Transparency International, Corruption Watch, Y20, and the Special Investigating Unit of South Africa.