Outrage Erupts as Nigerian Artist Received Government Funding in South Africa
Mzansi has expressed outrage after it was revealed that a Nigerian received funding from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
In a move towards transparency, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared the list of funding recipients, as his department has faced accusations of not adequately supporting local creatives.
Also read: Mzansi in Stitches Over How MacG Allegedly Spent R75k Covid Relief Funds
Outrage Erupts as Nigerian Artist Received Government Funding in South Africa
Upon reviewing the list on Wednesday, South African social media users quickly identified a Nigerian name among the beneficiaries – Adetola John Aina, professionally known as Ola Sax, who received R20,000 in funding.
When questioned about the decision to allocate funds to a Nigerian artist, Minister McKenzie stated that he was equally curious to understand the reasoning behind it. He promised that an audit would be conducted to investigate the criteria used to award the funds to various creatives.
“I would also love to know that. I am waiting for all lists to be published TODAY!!, we shall interrogate names, reasons & criteria. Thanks,” McKenzie said on X.
Also read: “He Didn’t Mention My Name”: Mama Joy Responds to Gayton McKenzie’s Decision to Cut Superfan Funding
Mixed Reactions from South Africans
The news sparked a mix of reactions from the public. Some South Africans praised McKenzie’s efforts, while others accused him of victimizing the very creatives he is meant to serve. Some pointed out that Ola Sax has been a taxpayer in the country for over a decade and is essentially a South African. Here are some of the comments:
@odedanilo:
Keep Going Mckenzie ! Azikhale . If only other ministers came with this energy!
@JoyLethabo8:
I think you are starting on wrong footing. Victimization of the people you are supposed to serve won’t take us anywhere. If there are criminals deal with them and stop telling us about Covid relief and the amounts Makhadzi worked for.
@UnathiMem:
Since we are all here, check out @olasaxmusic at the 2nd edition of #JamNJazz The fact that he has been diligently paying his taxes for over 17 years is a non factor. #Akahambe right?
@Thabiso499:
I dont get the hate , you all hating on 2 foreigners who got paid less than 100k but you not talking about how half of the list is white people and that translate to about R30 Million . No one will ever make me believe white people are south Africans.