WATCH | Zizi Kodwa hosts birthday lunch for Zola 7

Kwaito musician Bonginkosi “Zola 7" Dlamini recently celebrated his 46th birthday.

Minister of sports and ats and culture Zizi Kodwa shared snaps on his Twitter timeline of the lunch held for Zola 7 on his special day.

“Zola 7, we appreciate your talent and contribution to the social development of our country. A great birthday & many more years,” he posted. 

When asked who footed the bill for the lunch, the minister was coy, saying it was his responsibility to take care of Zola 7, who has been appointed a creative sector ambassador by the department.

“It was not a party, it was a lunch. Zola 7 is an ambassador and it is our responsibility to take care of them, whether it is through a stipend or not,” Kodwa told TshisaLIVE.

When asked if he would host a celebration for other artists, he said he was not aware of other artists celebrating their birthday on that specific day and if he was in a province where it was someone's birthday he would celebrate it.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE previously the minister explained why the 46-year-old was chosen to be a creative sector ambassador.

“Bonginkosi Dlamini [Zola 7] is South Africa's icon and one of our most talented stars. I met him in Polokwane — he welcomed an invitation to work with us as one of the creative sector ambassadors. I look forward to a great working relationship with Zola 7.

“Zola 7 is one of the undisputed icons from the creative industry, particularly in music. Part of what I expect of him is to give himself time to be with me and work with me around issues of the creative industry to see how best we can take our music industry to another level from where he started,” Kodwa said.

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.