The Department of Arts and Culture and the organiser of the Miriam Makeba Tribute Concert, Morris Roda, reached a provisional compromise on Thursday after both parties turned to the North Gauteng High Court over the concert.

The department wants Roda to repay the R3 million it invested in the event, while Roda in turn plans to sue the department for defamation.

Both parties now have 30 days to institute claims against each other.

Government withdrew its support for the concert saying it has not been planned properly.

Roda says he is sorry the icon’s legacy is being tarnished by legal battles.

“It is a sad day for South Africa, when this country is supposed to be preparing to commemorate the first anniversary of Mama Makeba, then we end up being in court,” says Roda

It is still unclear whether the concert will go ahead on Saturday as Roda says the planning has been disrupted.