Johannesburg – The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has been thrust into the spotlight once again, this time over the revelation of a 90-page document detailing the beneficiaries of the Covid-19 relief fund for artists and creatives. The document, released on Wednesday at the instruction of Minister Gayton McKenzie, has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the transparency and fairness of the funding process.
The document, containing a list of 3,962 beneficiaries, reveals the names of individuals and the amounts they received as part of the department's Covid-19 relief initiative. The funds, a one-off payment intended to assist artists, creatives, and sportspeople during the lockdown, ranged between R2,000 and R75,000. While most payments were of R10,000 or R20,000, a closer look at the list reveals a concerning disparity in the distribution of funds.
Among the top earners were influencer and businessman Mohale Motaung, the ex-husband of choreographer, TV, and radio personality Somizi Mhlongo, and his manager, Neo Nqwakuza of All in Management. Both received R75,000 each. Motaung received the funding for Glam Troupe, his business that provides matric dance makeovers, while Nqwakuza received the funds for his management company.
"It is unclear what criteria the department used to determine whether to award an artist, creative, or sports star varying amounts between the R2,000 and R75,000," said a source close to the department, who requested anonymity.
The revelation has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning why Motaung and Nqwakuza, both figures who are already established and financially secure, were deemed worthy of such a substantial sum, while other struggling artists received significantly less.
"This is a slap in the face to all the artists who were genuinely struggling during the pandemic," said a prominent musician, who also received a small amount of funding. "It's clear that the department didn't have a proper system in place to ensure that the funds were distributed fairly."
The document also revealed that Aluwani Duke Nethononda of Duke Assignments, a company that handles preliminary and final interviews and logistics for events, received R75,000. Pfunzo Mcgyver Mukwevho of M2N SERVICES CC, believed to be associated with podcaster Mac G, also received R75,000.
Sello Mark Magaga, who received two R75,000 payments, is now employed at Ayomide Films, where he is working on a new reality show for Mzansi Magic. According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously held positions at Top Afrika and Media24.
The document also highlighted the stark contrast in funding received by some high-profile artists. While veteran kwaito artist and music producer Arthur Mafokate and his son Arthur Junior Mafokate, who is currently on the Showmax reality show 'Born Into Fame', both received R20,000, vocal musician The Kiffness, real name David Scott, also received R20,000. This has left many shocked on X, as The Kiffness had previously claimed to have survived the pandemic without receiving any relief from the government.
"The Kiffness has always been vocal about his financial struggles," said a music industry insider. "It's strange that he received such a small amount, especially when you consider the larger sums given to Motaung and his manager."
Minister McKenzie, who has previously expressed concern over the department's focus on supporting individuals rather than institutions, defended the release of the list, citing transparency as the key motivator.
"We are publishing this list for the sake of transparency," McKenzie said. "There were really good, well-meaning people who received the funds. This is not a shame list, but we also wanted to dispel the notion that the DSAC did not support artists."
McKenzie has also promised to reveal more lists, suggesting that further scrutiny of the department's financial decisions is likely.
