Khakhathi fights for service delivery through his music

Well-known local government critic, businessman, pastor, musician, and politician Khakhathi Tshisikule has vowed to continue recording music that reveals the truth and encourages people to work hard at becoming better human beings.

Tshisikule was the first artist in the Vhembe region to record music that openly criticised the failures of the Thulamela Municipality in the early 2000s. Some of his songs were so candid that they were banned from SABC radio. One track in particular (which was recorded long before load shedding was implemented) referred to the municipality’s failure to provide water and electricity to the people. Today, this outspoken musician is a councillor at the same municipality he criticises in so many of his songs.

“The reason why some of my songs do not get airplay on SABC radio is because they feel I am fighting the government. The fact is, I use my music to fight injustice, corruption, and nepotism,” he said.

On the question of serving with the same people he accused of destroying the area that used to flourish under the leadership of the former Venda homeland, he said that being a councillor does not mean he will change the way he sings about politicians who are useless in the development of the Vhembe District.

“I still have a few more songs to record regarding the lack of service delivery. Being a councillor gives me the platform to tell them to their face that their time is up. The orange overalls are waiting for them. Even after I attend councillor meetings, I still sing about issues that affect our communities.”

Entertainment - Date: 03 June 2022

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