Social media has been abuzz since Wednesday morning following the release of a list of artists who received financial support from the Covid-19 relief fund.
The new Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has kept his promise of revealing the names of artists who were paid during the pandemic in 2020. The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture has always been committed to supporting the creative sector.
According to the department’s tweet, the list of Covid-19 Relief Beneficiaries 2020-2021 includes the Rebecca Malope Foundation, Busiswa Qqulu, Dumisani Mbebe, Arthur Mafokate and his son, and Bethusile Mcinga. The list includes individuals who received grant funding and financial support during the pandemic.
In a statement, the Minister emphasized that the list only includes individuals who received financial support and not those who were asked to perform and received payment. The Minister has been bombarded by complaints from people who claim they did not receive help.