



Cape Town – "After discussions with the board of Afrikaans is Groot (AIG) I've decided to step back so that the AIG concerts in Cape Town in 2020 can take place," Steve Hofmeyr announced on Facebook.

This comes after Sun International in August wanted to withdraw as venue for the concert series if Steve, who is known for his racially divisive statements, is part of the show.

Netwerk24 reported that due to contractual and legal issues the South African resort hotel chain and casino destination could not legally withdraw as venue but did request that organisers reconsider Steve's involvement in the show.

The hotel group also indicated that they could reconsider future contracts with AIG based on talent performing at its venues.

"I do this in the interest of my fellow colleagues and our large production team. I understand the huge challenges in terms of infrastructure and costs and what a loss of income would do to my fellow musicians," Steve wrote.

He added: "I understand that Sun International will not make the venue available in Cape Town, if I don't make this decision." (Read Steve's full statement here)

AIG responded to Steve's statement saying: "The AIG organisers respect Steve Hofmeyr's decision to withdraw from the AIG Cape Town performances and the fact that he understands the challenges faced by the AIG team."

Steve will still be performing at the AIG concerts in Pretoria in November 2019, as well as at the 'Somerfees' (summer festival) that will take place in Mossel Bay on 28 December.

AIG made headlines earlier this year when all its main sponsors - including MTN, Toyota, and Media24 – withdrew from the concert series due to Steve's involvement.

This prompted organisers to launch a campaign in association with Solidarity Helping Hand, called #JouAIG (Your Afrikaans is Groot), in which "the public will be the main sponsor" of the event. The announcement was made at a press conference in Centurion.

In 2015 both Land Rover and Pick n Pay pulled their sponsorship with AIG due to Steve's involvement in the show.

In another blow to the controversial Afrikaans singer the MultiChoice Group earlier this year said it would "in future not carry content that includes Steve Hofmeyr on any of its platforms".