Johannesburg – The struggle of SA artists during the Covid-19 pandemic continues, as many are left with no jobs and incomes.
On Tuesday, artist Thandiswa Mazwai applauded countries for assisting certain jazz artists with Covid-19 relief funds.
In a series of tweets, the popular singer said some European governments were paying jazz musicians a Covid-19 grant every month, funding she and he band only received once in South Africa.
Mazwai said she and her whole band and staff only received R20,000 from the Covid-19 relief fund. She said the money helped them buy some groceries in April.
She expressed gratitude to countries willing to help musicians during the pandemic, saying at least those artists are not losing their minds worrying about money.
Thandiswa also took a swipe at the South African government for nor doing enough for local artists saying, “imagine another government doing for us what home [SA] should do, instead of looting”.
In March 2020, minister of sports, arts and culture Nathi Mthethwa announced a R150m relief fund to assist artists, athletes and technical personnel.
But, artist and entertainers continue to express their frustration with the department after not getting paid from the Covid-19 relief fund.
Other artist who have slammed the department in the past include Rami Chuene, AKA, Kelly Khumalo and Nokuthula Mavuso.
