Makhadzi denies getting funding from the state: “I am easy target”
In recent news, Makhadzi, the renowned musician widely known for her chart-topping hits, has found herself at the center of controversy following claims made by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. Having been accused of receiving funding from the department, she has adamantly denied these allegations, setting the record straight through a statement released by her team.
The department’s earlier statement suggested that Makhadzi had been financially supported, with booked gigs totaling a substantial amount. However, Makhadzi’s team has refuted these claims, emphasizing that the payments received were for services rendered and not indicative of funding.
“We can confirm that the department contacted Makhadzi to perform at a June 16 event and the presidential inauguration, which she did, and the department paid her. That is not funding but payment for service rendered,” the statement reads.
According to the team of the Number 1 hitmaker, the statement from the department caused confusion from the first paragraph to the last.
Makhadzi did not receive funding
The team added that Gayton McKenzie, the recently appointed Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, claimed Makhadzi was one of the recipients and that her identity was now public in the government’s statement.
McKenzie said on Monday he had given the go-ahead to publish a list of athletes, artists, and other creatives who had received funding from the department, along with the sums and explanations for their grants.
“Makhadzi is not a recipient, and the department should release the list and stop diverting attention.
“It has been a long and bumpy road, and the ultimate goal is being realised, and no misleading information or smear campaign such as the one from the department aiming at destroying or dampening the spirit of Team Makhadzi will find expression.”
The premier of Limpopo Phophi Ramathuba is scheduled to formally welcome Makhadzi on Thursday following her victory on BET in America last week.