A FIGHT is brewing over the sudden cancellation of the first Soweto International Jazz Festival.
The festival kicked off on Thursday at Soweto Theatre in Jabulani but the next day the rest of the planned events were cancelled.
Vincent Motau, the theatre’s acting general manager, said that the festival was cancelled because the organisers failed to get the necessary permits from the Joburg Joint Operations Committee.
He said the theatre had offered to help get permits but the organisers refused.
Motau said all public events needed to be approved by the commissioner of police six months in advance but the organisers submitted their request too late.
Nolan Baynes, the event organiser and general manager of International Arts Solutions, said he deeply regretted the economic impact the cancellation had on the local community.
“We have been advised by our attorneys that we have legal grounds to pursue this matter further.
“We will rigorously defend all our legal rights in the coming days” he said.
Baynes said his company had invested close to R15 million in the festival.
City of Joburg spokesman Nthatisi Modingoane said the organisers failed to follow the necessary procedures to get permits.
“The festival risk categorisation was not granted due to late submission,” he said.
At the time of the cancellation, international artists like Charlie Wilson, Deborah Cox, the Neville Brothers, Bob James, Rico Love and Gordon Chambers were already in the country.
Cox said: “I’m extremely disheartened that the festival was not allowed to take place.
“I was looking forward to performing for the amazing people of Soweto and Jozi.”
The organisers said everyone who bought tickets for Friday, Saturday and yesterday would be given full refunds.
