*Caption: SABC Chief Operating Officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng

Written by: Lindelani Mndaba

“They don’t call me Mr 90% for nothing and I’m very proud of that,” said SABC Chief Operating Officer, Hlaudi Motsoeneng.

These were words uttered by Motsoeneng, who was one of the guests at the annual parade for the South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards, hosted yersterday at the Gugu Dlamini Memorial Park. The event celebrated 11 years since the inception of the SATMA.

Motsoeneng emphasised on the importance of Africans to embrace their culture and tradition, especially during the Heritage Month of September. According to him, people must be more appreciative of African music and support local artists.

Motsoeneng implemented the 90% radio local content policy on the 12^th May 2016. In the policy, the SABC committed itself to playing local music more than international music in all of its 18 radio stations. The broadcaster has prioritised local content ensuring that at least 90% of local music is heard by listeners. The aim was to embrace and reflect the diversity of South African culture.

Motsoeneng said that the 90% policy is here to stay and clarified that Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago was misunderstood when he said that the progress will be reviewed after every three months by the cooperation.

African people must just appreciate who they are and stop the tendency of copying other nation’s cultures,” Motsoeneng concluded.

Close to 50 000 people from all over the country joined the parade that was organised by the SATMA Awards founder, Dr Dumisani Goba in partnership with the SABC.

Goba said that the event was not only for celebrating their 11 years of existence, but it was also to commemorate the women of 1956 who marched against pass laws imposed by the apartheid government to black people.

Nokwanda Mhlongo, a reed dance attendant from Richards Bay, emphasised the importance of keeping the tradition and culture alive.

“Many of our problems as South Africans resonate from the fact that we don’t love ourselves and we don’t appreciate our culture. We are failing to realise that our culture is what makes us great,” she said.

The event ended on a high note, with various colourful clothing displaying different traditions.