South African musician Makhadzi (Pictures via Instagram- @makhadzisa )
Musician Makhadzi has hit back at South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, (DSAC), countering their claims that they had given her any assistance when she attended the recent BET Awards, as she claimed they had only paid for services she had rendered in the past.
The DSAC came under fire from South Africans, after revelations that Makhadzi, who has been struggling with debt, had funded her trip to the US by securing money from a loan shark.
Recently the DSAC under its minister Gayton McKenzie ordered artists, sports stars and creatives who received funding from the department to be named publicly, with the reasons and the amounts thereof.
The department spokesperson, Zimasa Velaphi said Makhadzi had been supported adequately recently.
“DSAC strongly rejects the assertion that it has not supported Makhadzi. Over the past 14 months, Makhadzi has been booked by DSAC to perform in several national engagements, receiving as much as 230,000 rands.
“The department commits to continuing to support creatives through various opportunities and to taking their talents to communities locally and internationally,” he said.
However, a statement from Makhadzi’s team said the singer had only been paid for the services she gave at state functions and not her trip to the BETs.
“Makhadzi wishes to give clarity and correct misleading information provided by the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in a statement released to media and the public on Tuesday (09 July 2024).
“She would like to categorically state clear that she has never received or applied for any funding from DSAC in the past 14 months as stated in the statement.
“We can confirm that the department contacted Makhadzi to perform for the June 16 event and Presidential Inauguration which she did (rendered a service) and the department paid her, which not funding but a payment for services rendered,” the statement read.
Makhadzi’s team also claimed that the statement by the department was a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing Makhadzi’s image as she was celebrating her big victory.
“The statement from the department is creating a lot of confusion from the heading to the last paragraph and seeks to give an impression that Makhadzi is one of the recipients and is now being published as stated by the Minister Mr. Gayton McKenzie.
“Makhadzi is not a recipient and the department should release the list and stop diverting attention.
“In conclusion, Makhadzi would like to thank everyone who has supported her throughout her colourful career, including the Limpopo Provincial Government, local municipalities, private businesses, her fans, etc. 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 National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture aiming at destroying and dampening the spirit of team Makhadzi will find expression,” the statement read. Telly Africa
