Sharp-tongued Cont Mhlanga blasts Langa

OUTSPOKEN veteran artiste Continue-loving Mhlanga yesterday took a swipe at Sports, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa after the minister's aides told him that Langa was too busy to heed to artistes' concerns.

Enraged, Mhlanga ordered the minister who had visited Amakhosi Cultural Centre to immediately leave the premises if he does not have time for artistes.

Minister Langa tried to calm the situation and said he was there for
artistes, but this fuelled Mhlanga's fury.

"Take your boys and go. We've been toiling the whole day preparing for your visit and then you
don't have time for us and you want to go. You might as well leave," charged Mhlanga, who was so affected he shed tears.

The minister, who was accompanied by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Thokozile Chitepo, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director Elvis Mari and other senior ministry officials, was in the city to tour cultural centres.

Mhlanga's verbal outburst came when official travelling with the minister whispered to
Mhlanga's ear that he must wind up the programme.

Although the minister apologized, Mhlanga continued with his verbal tirade attacking the ministry for incompetence and self-enrichment.

However, Langa, who looked calm, promised to address the concerns raised by Mhlanga.