Multi-award-winning musician Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, has refuted claims that she received funding from the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. This statement comes in response to the department’s announcement on Tuesday, which suggested that Makhadzi had been supported with nearly R230,000 worth of bookings.
In a clarifying statement released early Wednesday, Makhadzi’s team addressed the department’s claims, stating, “We can confirm that the department contacted Makhadzi to perform at a June 16 event and the presidential inauguration, which she did and the department paid her. That is not funding but payment for service rendered.”
The statement emphasised that the department’s announcement had caused significant confusion. According to Makhadzi’s team, the recently appointed Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, had wrongly identified Makhadzi as a recipient of departmental funding in the government’s public records.
On Monday, McKenzie revealed that he had authorized the publication of a list of athletes, artists, and other creatives who had received funding from the department, including the amounts and purposes of their grants. However, Makhadzi’s team insists that she was not a recipient of any such funding and called on the department to release the accurate list to clear up any misunderstandings.
“Makhadzi is not a recipient, and the department should release the list and stop diverting attention. It has been a long and bumpy road, and the ultimate goal is being realized, and no misleading information or smear campaign such as the one from the department aiming at destroying or dampening the spirit of Team Makhadzi will find expression,” the statement read.
Despite the controversy, Makhadzi continues to enjoy her recent successes. The premier of Limpopo, Phophi Ramathuba, is scheduled to formally welcome Makhadzi on Thursday following her triumphant win at the BET Awards in America last week. This celebration marks yet another milestone in Makhadzi’s illustrious career, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to her craft.
