A touring company of Sarafina! 2, a sequel to the hit South African musical of the 1980s, but focusing on the threat of AIDS in place of the first installment's apartheid, has been closed down by the South African government. Daily Variety reported June 6 that the $14.2 million rand ($3.26 million U.S.) Sarafina! 2, also written by Mbongeni Ngema, had used, without authorization, money earmarked by the European Union to fight AIDS.
The Variety story said public protector Selby Baqua harshly criticized the financial management of the South African health department, and recommended that the project be scrapped. Baqwa also reportedly suggested that the government seize all equipment and items purchased by Ngema for the musical, which has been touring South Africa.
