Entertainment

Minister Nathi Mthethwa dismisses claims that nothing done for artists

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has lashed out at opposition parties for suggesting his department did nothing for the artists during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is a fallacy and cheap propaganda that the department is doing nothing for the creatives. We were among the first to provide this relief to the sector,” Mthethwa said. We immediately called on the industries, both sport and creatives, and interacted when lockdown started in March. They gave us ideas and it is those ideas which bear the three phases we talk about in funding,” he said.

Mthethwa was responding to accusations and questions from the DA and EFF after his department briefed the MPs on the third phase of relief funding for artists and athletes, who received R10 000.

The MPs heard from deputy director-general Cynthia Khumalo that they have concluded the adjudication of applications for the third phase of relief funding and outstanding payments depended on available funds.

Khumalo said 6 332 artists were approved by adjudicators and 763 applications were declined. A total of 5 100 applications were successfully paid and R51m was paid as at July 22.

Khumalo said 1 103 applications from arts organisations were received and 1 088 were adjudicated. Out of the 205 Living Legends, 108 applications were processed for payment as at July 22 and 122 were still to be paid.

Nathi Mthethwa

That programme was launched in February and we are rolling it. The inter-ministerial committee has a work stream for school fees of children,” he said. Mthethwa said they were engaging the banking sector and landlords on behalf of artists and athletes.

Echoing the sentiments from ANC MP Albert Seabi that it would be difficult to do more with little, Mthethwa said R10 000 was “something for those who had nothing to put on the table”.

“We are only happy that the people appreciate that, especially those who are beneficiaries. The prophets of doom say that it is nothing,” he said. “This is what we gave artists and athletes in practical terms

In other news – Photos: Cassper Nyovest and Kefilwe Mabote Cause A Stir

Cassper Nyovest and Kefilwe Mabote look hella good together. If Cass wasn’t in the happy relationship that he is, peeps would definitely be feeling some vibes here.

Cassper Nyovest and Kefilwe Mabote

Getting boujee social media influencer and media mogul Kefilwe onboard with his sneaker launch campaign, Cassper did a sneaky lil photoshoot with her. Posting the fire snaps online, Cass showed off his new kicks. Learn more

Source: IOL