South African artists are not the only beneficiaries of grants and relief funds provided by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
On Thursday, social media users who saw the long list noticed several Nigerian artistes on it and alerted newly appointed Minister Gayton McKenzie.
“The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has always looked out for the creative sector. Below is a link to the list of COVID-19 relief beneficiaries for 2020-2021. Further lists will be added covering other funding categories, including beneficiaries from 2020 to present,” Gayton tweeted.
X user created a screenshot of a listing where a musician named Adetola John Aina (aka Ola Sax) received R20 000.
Other Twitter users claimed the list also included other foreigners, further angering other South Africans.
Minister Gayton responded to the comments saying: “I would like to know that too. I am waiting for the full list to be published today. We will be looking into the names, the reasons and the criteria. Thank you.”
I would like to know that too. I am waiting for the full list to be published today!! I will investigate the names, reasons and criteria. Thank you https://t.co/4Vj0qabOEN
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 10, 2024
Here are some other reactions:
Are Nigerian artists eating up South African taxpayers' money? Then… pic.twitter.com/YQlHqGuJf7
— Not a police officer (@StHonorable) July 10, 2024
But these people, as Gayton exposed, claim the government did nothing to help them.
— David Jonas (@DAVIDJONAS71479) July 10, 2024