Limpopo Boy debunks alleged exploitive school contracts claims

by Zintle Mdaka

Dance choreographer and performer Matome Thoka Robert, who is popularly known as Limpopo Boy, has denied that Christian Progressive College (CPC) has an exploitive and binding contract with their students.

This comes after a TikTok user, @siyamangena shared a video discussing the terms of a contract between the school/record label and students/ artists from an unnamed school.

Denying the claims, Limpopo Boy said that he has worked with CPC Stars for two years, and he confirmed that CPC is a normal school with extra mural activities. A student does not have to be able to sing, dance or DJ to be part of CPC.

Also see: Bafana’s Ronwen Williams donates R50,000 to his primary school

He shared that there is a difference between CPC as a school and CPC Stars that only has 21 students.

“A student is not forced to be part of CPC Stars, unless if they want to showcase their talent. The aim and the main reason for CPC Stars is to take the kids away from the streets, talking from experience I know how it took me to be where I am today. So we taking the kids away from the streets, exposing them to professional opportunities; teach them while they are still young, and to keep our culture alive.”

Limpopo boy advised people to do their research before they speak about things that might tarnish other people’s image and businesses. He also said that CPC does not give CPC Stars contracts.

Also see:Limpopo Boy gives Minister Gayton Mckenzie a dance lesson

Watch:

 

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A post shared by Matome Thoka Robert (@limpopo_boy)

In the video that went viral on social media, without mentioning the school’s name, Siya outlined parts of the contract that he described as a concerning agreement.

“They call it a bursary, sounds generous right? Free education, free accommodation, food, clothing; but the contract states in clause 3.3 that all bursary costs and fees are fully sponsored by the school/ label, and are recoupable. That means, according to this contract, it’s not a gift, it’s fitted as a loan. According to this agreement, the child has to pay back through labour, image and earnings for years,” said Siya.

Also see: TikToker reveals a school contract that sparks exploitation debate