Kunene defends publication of COVID-19 beneficiaries amid backlash

PA Deputy President, Kenny Kunene, has defended Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister, Gayton Mckenzie’s decision to publish the names of artists and athletes who benefited from the department’s COVID-19 relief fund.

Kunene’s remarks came after some social media users criticised the move, saying it undermined the dignity of artists who suffered during the pandemic.

Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg, Kunene said the move by Mckenzie was already encouraging artists and athletes who had not received their funds to come forward.

He argued that transparency was essential, and the publication of the names would help to ensure accountability.

Among those who have refuted claims of receiving funding is BET Award-winning singer Makhadzi, who clarified that she only received payment for services rendered and not from the relief fund.

This has sparked calls for further investigations into the distribution of the relief funds, with some questioning how the funds were allocated and who benefited from them.

Meanwhile, some social media users have raised questions about why foreign nationals, including Nigerian artists, were among the beneficiaries.

The Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister has promised to investigate how and why these individuals received the funds, as well as the criteria used to select them.

Minister McKenzie has announced that more lists will be published by the department, shedding more light on the distribution of the relief funds.

A third list of recipients was released today, containing over 3 000 names, with each individual allegedly having received R10 000, the distribution of the funds totaling over R36 million.