Good afternoon Mathew,
I am Bonisile Cyril Goni 8311095628080. I am writing this email on behalf of the Abikondela Marimba Band. We started working at the Waterfront as buskers in the year 2002.
Currently the are 4 marimba bands working at the Waterfront as buskers including us. 2 marimba bands are allowed to perform a day. The day before yesterday we received devastating news that we have only 2 days to work as buskers at the Waterfront which is Friday the 14/10/22 and Sunday the 16/10/22. I would like to point out that it was said we are the only marimba band taken out of the programme. We find this decision very harsh, selfish, unfair, and humiliating because the is no valid reason.
THE DECISION IS TAKEN AT A CRUCIAL TIME
>COVID19 ERA
We stayed quite some time not working due to the Covid19. We received assistance from the Waterfront at that time which we highly appreciate.
We started working but it was quiet at that time. At least we managed to make ends meet, although it was TOUGH.
>WINTER SEASON
We even survived the winter season, although it was quiet, raining and cold. We made it a point that we come to work so that we can put bread on the table. Where were the other bands?
>TOURISM
The tourism sector is opening and the season is starting to pick up. Eventually we are taken out of the programme. This is only our source of income, we have families to feed and rents to pay.By kicking us out of the programme you are taking bread from our families and kicking us out to the streets. Is that what you wish for?
IN CONCLUSION
We kindly ask the decision to be taken out of the programme to be reviewed as soon as possible.
We highly feel that we were never an asset at the Waterfront and not important the way things are. We can not manage to stay at home. There is no other source of income apart from working at the Waterfront.
This message is addressed to Matthew Andrews. 0847355381 & 0214087564
Hope to hear from you soon.
Kindest regards
Bonisile Cyril Goni
0714985685
Eugene Thandekile Sambata
0748279857
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