The ministry was queried over the failure of Makhazi to receive financial support from the central government for his recent trip to the BET Awards in the United States.
Makhazi denied claims by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) that it had shown support for him over the past 14 months.
Makhazi, through his team, said the money he received from the police was compensation for services rendered.
“she [Makhadzi] “We wish to categorically and unequivocally state that we have never received or applied for any funds from DSAC in the past 14 months,” a statement from the Makhazi Entertainment Communications team said.
DSAC released a statement on Tuesday night denying claims that it was not supporting Makhazi after the group said it had to pay for his travel expenses to the United States to attend the BET Awards where he won the award for Best New International Act.
“DSAC strongly denies the allegation that it has not supported Mr Makhadzi. Over the past 14 months, Mr Makhadzi has been booked by DSAC to perform at several national shows and has been paid a total of R230 000,” a statement from the department asserted.
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Makaj respond
Makhazi was one of the artists who performed at President Cyril Ramaphosa's inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria in June this year.
In a recent statement from the BET award-winning musician, her team confirmed that she had received compensation from the ministry.
“We can confirm that the authorities contacted Ms. Makhazi to perform at the June 16 event and the presidential inauguration, which she did and the authorities paid her. This is not a fund but a payment for services rendered,” the statement noted.
“The ministry's statement has caused a lot of confusion from the headline to the last paragraph, creating the impression that Mr Makhazi is one of the recipients and is trying to make it public as Minister Gayton McKenzie said. Mr Makhazi is not a recipient and the ministry should make the list public and stop creating distractions.”
𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗡'𝗧 𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗬 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬
“They are hiding the people who are receiving the money. [from the department] Use my name. If you must die, you must die.”
– An emotional Makhadzi told Sport, Arts and Culture in a statement: “She received R230 000 from…” pic.twitter.com/meBtQcDEFz
— Limpopo Chronicle (@LimChronicle) July 10, 2024
“Our IT team is currently fixing the original link.”
The allegation was clarified by newly appointed Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie on Wednesday morning.
“Mr Makhazi is not a grant recipient, he only provided a service. Our IT team is in the process of fixing the first link. There are still two links remaining. We will speak to Mr Makhazi shortly and respond once we understand what has happened regarding this statement.”
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DSAC statement
DSAC said it had received enquiries from the media about Makhazi not receiving financial support from the national government for his recent trip to the BET Awards in the United States.
Speaking ahead of the awards ceremony, Makhazi told Mac Gee and Sol Fenduka on the Podcast and Chill that he had to raise funds for the trip through a loan shark.
She explained that her financial difficulties stem from ongoing efforts to repay tax arrears to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Speaking to the media in OR Tambo after his triumphant return, the singer said: “I am so happy.
“I think God was with me. I think he felt the pain I was feeling. He said, 'She had to go to the next door neighbor with her last money, but this time I have to give this to her and she has to earn that money 20 times more,'” Makhazi said earlier this month.
The ministry promised to “continue to support creative talents to showcase their talents to local and overseas communities through various opportunities.”
“DSAC therefore rejects the notion that creatives who receive support from the Ministry are not being supported to pursue their talents.”
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