Musician Makhadzi has responded to claims by South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC) that they provided her with assistance for her attendance at the recent BET Awards. Contrary to DSAC’s assertions, Makhadzi clarified that the department had only compensated her for past services, not funded her trip.

The DSAC faced criticism after it was revealed that Makhadzi, who has been dealing with financial challenges, financed her US trip through a loan from a private lender. Recently, DSAC, led by Minister Gayton McKenzie, mandated the public disclosure of beneficiaries of departmental funding, specifying amounts and reasons for the support.

DSAC spokesperson Zimasa Velaphi contended that Makhadzi had received substantial support from the department over the last 14 months, including bookings for national performances amounting to 230,000 rands. Velaphi affirmed DSAC’s commitment to continuing support for local and international creatives.

However, Makhadzi’s team refuted these claims, asserting that the singer had solely been reimbursed for her performances at official functions such as the June 16 event and the Presidential Inauguration. They clarified that these payments were for services rendered, not financial support or funding.

Makhadzi’s team accused DSAC of engaging in a smear campaign to damage her reputation, particularly during a time of personal celebration and success. They emphasized that Makhadzi was not a recipient of DSAC funding as suggested by the department’s statement.

In conclusion, Makhadzi expressed gratitude to her supporters throughout her career and called for transparency from DSAC regarding its funding recipients, urging the department to refrain from spreading misinformation that could undermine her achievements and the morale of her team.

In other news – Zimbabwe police detain five women involved in viral @ssault video

Police have apprehended five women from Wedza following their involvement in a widely circulated video where they brutally assaulted another woman after stripping her naked. The disturbing footage shows the group of women mercilessly beating the victim with switches. Shockingly, some of the attackers were dressed in school uniforms.

The suspects now face charges of aggravated indecent assault. In a statement released on July 10, 2024, the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of Vimbai Mike (19), Rudo Manjere (17), Lily-Rose Munyoro (16), Lillian Chido Munyoro (17), and Sandra Vhumbunu (17) in connection with the incident. Read More