By: Kaya 959 News
The coronavirus has led to many artists losing out on gigs. Gatherings were prohibited and many couldn’t host shows, leading to financial suffering.
Although the government promised to help with a relief fund, many claim they haven’t received the funds.
This is why a group of artists staged a sit-in at the offices of the National Arts Council in Johannesburg.
They are calling for an intervention by the President over funding issues.
The group – which represents various types of artists – say only President Cyril Ramaphosa can get answers over what happened to the money.
The money was meant for the Presidential Employment Stimulus Packages.
Sadly, artists have been waiting over a year to get money from the COVID-19 relief fund initiative and say they cannot wait any longer.
They have bemoaned the dire state of the arts and culture sector, saying that the impact of the pandemic, coupled with the mismanagement of state funding initiatives, has left them with nothing.
On Monday, renowned musician Sibongile Mngoma went live on Facebook to state that she went to the NEC to demand answers about the Presidential Employment Stimulus Packages.
She says for weeks, musicians have been demanding answers and not getting clear feedback.
https://www.facebook.com/100007917902571/videos/2802592986681271/
Reporter Nosipho Radebe is at the NAC in Johannesburg and files this report.
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SA artists demand answers from President Cyril Ramaphosa over funding Poelano



