The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture announced today, July 10th, 2024, that it has distributed over R72 million to beneficiaries in the sports, arts and culture sector. This disbursement comes as a much-needed relief package for artists who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. This comes after the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie challenged the department to release the names in his quest to fire corrupt officials.
Transparency in Distribution
McKenzie posted on X: “There are very good people on that list, well meaning people, @SportArtsCultur has been accused of not funding projects, for the sake of total transparency let’s see the good work people did, it not a shame list, some people got money because they say they help artist, let’s hear”. He demanded that the list be released today at 10 am. Details regarding the specific recipients of these funds were made public. This transparency aims to ensure accountability and demonstrate the department’s commitment to supporting those in need within the arts community.
Full List:
Relief for Hard-Hit Artists
There is no denying that the pandemic has had a devastating effect on artists and creative practitioners, with many forced to cancel events and exhibitions, resulting in substantial financial losses. The department’s initiative is a positive step towards recovery for the arts industry. They emphasised that it has always cared for the creative sector and more lists are coming to cover other categories of funding since 2020 to date Beneficiaries.
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