DSAC's Covid-Relief Fund: Somizi's Ex Got $75k
Mohale Motaung's company, Glam Troupe had only two employees at the time
DSAC's Covid-Relief Fund: Somizi's Ex Got $75k
The South African sports, arts, culture, and entertainment scene has been turned upside down since Minister Gayton McKenzie took office.
In response to accusations that the government wasn't adequately supporting artists, McKenzie's department released a list of beneficiaries. According to him, the list includes some genuinely good-hearted individuals. Transparency was the goal, especially since the department had faced criticism for not funding various projects.
A whopping 3,962 creatives received their share of R72 million. Among the top 10 beneficiaries were Sello Mark Magaga (R150,000), Aluwani Duke Nethononda (R75k), Podcaster MacG (R75k), casting agent Obey Muchipisi (R73k), Nduduzo Fortune Mkhize (R73k), Adam Howard (R53k), Adelle Yvette Gascoyne (R53k), Bafedile Masasa (Evergreen Arts Centre, R53k), Bafana Tsotetsi (R53k), and Ashraf Patel (R53,000).
However, eyebrows were raised when it came to Mohale Motaung's company, Glam Troupe, which received R75,000. The company specialized in designing dresses and suits for matric dance students. A close friend revealed that Glam Troupe had only two employees at the time, including Mohale himself.
DSAC's Covid-Relief Fund: Somizi's Ex Got $75k
“It was just Mohale and his part-time assistant,” the friend explained. “Given that NGOs with larger staff missed out, it's puzzling how Glam Troupe secured such funding. They didn't even have a proper office or warehouse.”
As for the claim process, the source remained uncertain. “I'm not accusing Mohale of anything,” they clarified. “But the facts are clear: Glam Troupe was a small operation.”
Attempts to reach Mohale for comment went unanswered.
Other artists also voiced their frustration. Mercy Phakela, for instance, is still waiting for her relief fund payment. “I haven't seen a cent,” she lamented.
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Zahara's sister, Bandezwa Mkutukana, echoed the sentiment. “Zahara applied but received nothing,” she said.
