The first Dzinambi na Zwilombe Awards, aimed at motivating and encouraging artists in Vhembe, have stirred controversy after veteran musician Bishop Roxley Masevhe was named among the recipients.
Masevhe stands accused of raping his 17-year-old stepdaughter. He was arrested and charged with rape in early 2024.
The awards, organised by the Dzinambi na Zwilombe organisation, will take place at the Thohoyandou Arts and Culture Centre on 16 December.
Other recipients include veteran singer Dr Irene Mawela, reggae artist Rofhiwa Nethwadzi, house musician Ravusto, Tshivenda music icon Mutendas, Xitsonga music legend Thomas Chauke, gospel musician Sammy Tshiks, and rhumba groups Makuya and Mvelelo Express. More than 30 artists and groups are due to be honoured.
The inclusion of Masevhe has drawn criticism from some community members and organisations. They have questioned the decision to honour him while his rape case is pending. Critics say the move undermines efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Vhembe Combined Group and senior Democratic Alliance leader Thelma Marole expressed shock and disappointment.
"We are not opposed to individuals being awarded, but in the case of Masevhe, we feel the timing is not right. Masevhe stands accused of the most heinous form of gender-based violence, which is rape. Our president has declared this a national disaster, and we are shocked to learn that a person with such a dark cloud over his head is being awarded," she said.
She also questioned the integrity of the awards.
"We suspect they [organisers] are recruited to award him to give a positive picture to the court that he is doing a good job in the community. Why can't they just wait for his case to be finalised and award him? This award will weaken the fight against gender-based violence. As a community, we will never take the organisers and awards seriously," she said.
But the organisers defended their decision.
Rofhiwa Ronald Mudau, also known as The Lion, said the event aimed to motivate emerging artists and recognise their work.
"As an organisation, we will not be stopped from celebrating excellence. Masevhe is one of the greatest musicians to have emerged from this region. His pending rape case does not overshadow the good he has done. As organisers, we are not in any way doing this to influence the case. We are doing this without any outside influence. People can say whatever, and we cannot stop them. Our vision is to uplift artists," he said.