The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has responded to allegations that it has not supported Makhadzi during her recent trip to the BET Awards in Los Angeles, California.
This comes after Makhadzi stated during an interview on Podcast and Chill with MacG and Sol Phenduka that she had to take out a loan to fund her trip to attend the awards.
The 27-year-old Limpopo-born singer real name Ndivhunzannyi Ralivhona, won the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act award, beating fellow South African Tyler ICU, Seyi Vibez, Bellah, Cristale, Duquesa, Holly G, Jungeli and Oruam.
Makhadzi: "I'm going through a lot, I had to borrow money from mashonisa (loan shark) to come to the BET Awards," 💔💔💔
SARS is a nightmare… 🤮
She literally prayed for the award on #PodcastAndChill with MacG.
Rick Ross Malema Londie R500 Lord Gayton Panyaza President Zuma pic.twitter.com/5zoAL816dp
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) July 1, 2024
In a statement issued by DSAC, the department dismissed claims that it has not supported Makhadzi.
“DSAC strongly rejects the assertion that it has not supported Makhadzi. Over the past 14 months, Makhadzi has been booked by DSAC to perform in several national engagements, receiving as much as 230 000 rand,” said the statement
LASO READ : Makhadzi says she borrowed money from ‘mashonisa’ to attend BET Awards
The depaprtmenet said the mandate of the DSAC is to create local and global platforms, and collaborations which empower the country’s creative sector.
“The mandate of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is to create local and global platforms, and collaborations which empower the country’s creative sector. The Department commits to continue supporting creatives, through various opportunities, to take their talents to communities locally and internationally,” continued the statement
It further dismissed claims from some creatives suggesting inadequate support from DSAC.
“DSAC therefore rejects the notion of creatives, who have received support from the Department, inferring that they have not received support to pursue their talents.”
Meanwhile, the department has noted the public reaction that followed the recent instruction by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, for the Department to publish the names of creatives and athletes who have received money from the Department.
I have stopped all trips for super fans, we have athletes & artist who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions, how do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it’s needed the most.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
