Arts and Culture Minister criticised for publishing list of Covid-19 relief fund beneficiaries

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has published the Covid-19 relief 2020-2021 beneficiaries list. Dr Sipho Sithole says if he were one of the beneficiaries whose names were published, he would return the money to the department as this was an insult.
Howard University Professor, Dr. Sipho Sithole speaks to Newzroom Afrika's Naledi Moleo.
Tune into Newzroom Afrika DStv channel 405 for more.

[@azalianieuwenhuys8844]

If you receive public funds,the public has the right to know!

[@tmlsa9830]

SASSA beneficiaries also should be published then, while we at it.

[@azalianieuwenhuys8844]

@@tmlsa9830 what's wrong with that...

[@shawnberry6110]

@@tmlsa9830 That's actually a good idea.

[@tmlsa9830]

@@shawnberry6110 Not forgetting Apartheid beneficiaries.

[@shawnberry6110]

@@tmlsa9830 Publish the list if you have it. You're actually making sense even though you don't know it.

[@user-mf6sr4ho1f]

It's our money as tax payers we got the right to know what's happening to our money

[@bobbyshabangu]

Thank you.

[@Vejamaestro]

Artists pay taxes too get off your high horse, case in point "makhadzi" who's being rediculed by this populist tyrant minister, who wants to be seen as doing something🤨

[@MzamoAdoons372]

@@user-mf6sr4ho1f 👊👊👊super 🥂🥂🍾🍾

[@jiwwo1799]

Mr Minister didn't do anything wrong about the transparency..this is just being paranoid, as Tax payers we've got a right to know where our money goes to

[@Cairo96]

If you have aids,you must be the face of a hospital

[@renemotlhabane9664]

If they did nothing wrong then they should not be embarrassed when the list is published 😂🤧

[@mthokozisimgabi1005]

Absolutely 💯

[@MzamoAdoons372]

Exactly

[@Amor-zone]

*Exactly my point, we've been praying for the transparency from the government all these years now the transparency is here we're still complaining*

[@tmlsa9830]

SASSA beneficiaries also should be published then, while we at it.

[@CheckyJemina-sv8sy]

All departments must be published period

[@Motswako]

This guy is used to chowing money. He is definitely shaken. Gayton we support you. Clean that department

[@cheryllinlouw51]

This Man is upset at someone standing up against corruption

[@trudyneumann8945]

Wonder why he is upset about cleaning up and transparency???

[@cheryllinlouw51]

@@trudyneumann8945 people complain anc is corrupt when there is someone being transparent they unhappy 😒 this is a confused country

[@cheryllinlouw51]

@@trudyneumann8945 people complain anc is corrupt when there is someone being transparent they unhappy 😒 this is a confused country

[@trudyneumann8945]

@@cheryllinlouw51 - so agree, but the complainers usually have something to hide.

[@user-ih5qb2wc2o]

​Media has destroyed this country we no longer know whether we are going or coming it's a disaster period.As the guy speaking I total agree with with his points. ​@@cheryllinlouw51

[@mthokozisimgabi1005]

This guy is part of the problem not the solution.

[@motheomorakile1099]

I am an Artist, and I 💯% disagree with Mr Sithole. The minister didn't shame artist, the minister is showing that certain individuals are always beneficiaries when other artists also could use the help. Mr Sithole speaks for a certain status quo, who are always milking and siding with politicians!!!

[@sifisodube4686]

This guy should not be given platform

[@xhosakoloni4716]

Exactly her contribution not needed.

[@florencemonama2953]

Self pity💯galore he must man-up he should have kept this sentiments to himself,God help SA

[@khosaprince8739]

NO we r not suppose to block his views. I suspect he might be afraid of something.

[@MzamoAdoons372]

This gentleman is exceedingly condescending; insulting the minister is no sign of being intelligent.

[@boitumelomotingwe7806]

HE IS INTELLIGENT

[@MzamoAdoons372]

@@boitumelomotingwe7806 says who😂😂😂

[@thatokukama7264]

As if the previous ministers did anything better, spoke like someone offended and previously benefited from this department

[@jameskillu9171]

He is accurate, when you put a CLOWN like Gayton into palace, the palace become a CIRCUS.

[@MzamoAdoons372]

​@@jameskillu9171for now at least the minister is in the right

[@sibusisogaqazele450]

I think this guy was also funded, he is not happy with the transparency

[@zanelethulimtshali9165]

He was

[@aobakweCup326D]

yep, guilt is busy with him

[@MinaGalant]

Now. everything is in the open and we as voters and taxpayers know what was going on behind the scenes.

[@trudyneumann8945]

​@@MinaGalant- agree, about time. We all want transparency in every department. Well done to the new minister.

[@MrLesegoN]

This man spoke absolute nonsense. I don’t understand what his issue is with transparency. He just never be invited back

[@mats66028]

The money that these artists received , was our money as taxpayers. So, we need to know how our money is spent. Nothing wrong with what Minister did. I really don't understand what the gripe is.

[@elroywarner9676]

exactly,atleast they received something.

[@elroywarner9676]

the rest of the citizens didn't get any financial assistance

[@sharingfamspace3156]

They also pay tax.

[@online3010]

Your guest shouldn't be invited back. It's wonderful the minister is being transparent.

[@dianasekatane6045]

Those funds are taxpayers money 😂😂😂 transparency is needed to curb corruption.

[@MzamoAdoons372]

The gentleman is not make sure😂😂😂

[@collinphahlane7527]

He is a beneficiary.

[@nikelomakae1127]

Dr Sithole is a mad man

[@MzamoAdoons372]

@@nikelomakae1127 is he a genuine doctor or just one of those weird North West University PhD graduates😂😂😂

[@hgfku-tn6hb]

We're indeed in a sick country. How can someone like McKenzie be criticized for condemning wrong?

[@xhosakoloni4716]

Oodaki got problem most complainers.

[@MzamoAdoons372]

I support the minister 1000% and with ❤❤❤

[@tmlsa9830]

What wrong is he condemning?

[@njabulomthethwa4988]

Exactly what wrong is he condemning?

[@siphothango9857]

I'm also surprised

[@jbmzala]

Dr Sithole needs to tell us how much he got himself

[@glantedavid9728]

😂😂😂

[@GossiphiveEnt]

He was found shaking 😂

[@aobakweCup326D]

HE sounds very guilty

[@mandlaveyi3411]

this stole is a thief himself

[@bobbyshabangu]

Volume please.

[@bluecool533]

This guy sounds weak and irrelevant

[@conceretejungle1150]

He's actually making sense

[@Tinker8531]

@@conceretejungle1150 REALLY?? He sounds like he knows something connected to him is going to come out soon.

[@senzomemela1311]

He is making so much sense to those who understand governance....

[@aobakweCup326D]

@@senzomemela1311 WHICH GOVERNANCE ?

[@boitumelomotingwe7806]

@@conceretejungle1150 TOO MUCH

[@colinpp123]

You are not the minister , I pay thousands of tax each month for years and on a large part being kept poor because of high tax rates we all need to know where our money as a nation goes to, it's called transparency

[@kabelohlatshwayo830]

The list proves that some artists got between R10 000 to R73 000 during Covid. While the rest of us had to survive on R350? WOW..😱

[@Mapiano_Arts]

But the minister never said that we artists are criminal. What kind of a doctor is this now

[@mandlaveyi3411]

is this person a doctor?

[@phumzilensele302]

He is talking bullshit he want looting to continue ... could be on the looting gravy train

[@sagiemoodley8742]

TAX PAYERS MONEY .....WHY ARE U DEFENDING THE INDEFENSIVABLE . PEOPLE TOOK MONEY BUT THEY DENIED TAKING IT

[@jamespick5199]

This guy won't win the majority of South Africans love what the minister is doing, we tired of corruption

[@lesleyliedeman997]

Well done Minister Gayton McKenzie. Most citizens appreciate the transparency. Taxpayers need to know where and how the government spend our money

[@ngakamonaheng4164]

What's about transparency dr sithole.. nothing wrong nothing sinister with transparency. RSA want transparency NOTHING ELSE. THUMPS UP MINISTER AMANDLA SISONKE HONE ARE THEFTS.

[@geraldinecupido9852]

We don't care what he said the public need to know how our tax money was spent. Being transparent is the best way forward. They can hate the minister or judge or criticize him we don't care he is doing a good job it's our money that has been used by the more privilege. So minister keep us updated and stay transparent. We appreciate what you are doing.

[@amazing_sandla]

This attack on Gayton is unwarranted. Dr Sithole is being disingenuous and must allow the minister to work. The list is not criminalizing anyone, the public must know where public funds go

[@SphiweSibisiTheMC]

Uhlanya wena, He is exposing corruption and inequality

[@johnlouw6449]

This man is being very defensive. Lots of skelms on that list. 😅😅😅

[@andyvogt3476]

So grateful the Dr, is not the minister, and we will not have to wait for 2040 to get action......

[@nikelomakae1127]

This one needs to be canceled

[@zasummers]

Universities and other research institions are transparent about who is successfully funded, and these are grants that come from the government (Department of Sicence and Innovation, tax payers money). I don't see how Sports, Arts, and Culture should be hiding their beneficiaries.

[@johnmagana7682]

this guy is crazy. we want transparency as we voted

[@mirriamduma4959]

Sithole ake uthule

[@izaakvn]

I cant understand the man's interpretation .... is he also part of the system. A Dr. Of which Sector ...how much has he contributed. Disrespectful to a minister.. rotten to the core! He must be dealt with from past experience! They should get rid of him in that department....deal with him Minister!

[@arnoldstuart7280]

Looks like he also got money as well, while the old age and kids are suffering and suffered with the pennies they got.

[@nkosingiphilempisane3059]

I support Gayton that what transparancy is

[@millionairesmile1430]

These guys make millions of rands in their business, and we know most of them use our money to buy drugs, alcohol and womanizing. Most don't even give out to charity. They can't come here as crybabies and want a minister who wants transparency to be taken off. We have a right to know where our tax money goes to. Think about those expected to survive on R350.

[@aobakweCup326D]

I guess this guy doesn't know FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

[@Thatotherguy803]

Why is he acting like Gayton said everyone on the list is corrupt or thiefs? All he said to my understanding is everyone on the list are the ones who has benefitted from the fund. Any artists who didnt can come out and say it. Then we can move on to (if the money didnt go to them who was the department actually giving the money to) like that poor singer crying on social media saying she didnt. We need to see all the people benefiting from each department. So we can see for ourselves who is actually the one's eating and how much while other goes without or less

[@SylviaMitchell-tz2sl]

Yes I agree 💯💯💯

[@lebogangmosiane]

I am confused why is it supposed to be kept a secret?They were helped period (it shows the government took care of their own people moes

[@lihlesobetha8985]

McKenzie is going no where, he must get used to transparency

[@colinpp123]

how is it shamefull to get funding ? , I won't be shameful if my name is on the list I'll be happy for the money this guy is crazy

[@lemonkaysweet]

Every department must release!!! We want to see everyone, company etc no one must be safe lol

[@zanelethulimtshali9165]

Even SABC

[@diatilenthoba8262]

R350 for unemployed,R2000,for grannies,R500 for kids is not a secret....why this of entertainment industry has to be a secret?we also need to know the list of artists who did not benefit on that COVID 19 help.

[@lindalolly6318]

While some people were suffering only given 350 😢

[@elroywarner9676]

who is this guy to think artists are such an exclusive group to be paid more than what they got ,whereas the other citizens were also without work during covid and they got no financial assistance from government. 😠

[@chazzy4285]

He is talking bullshit

[@zoepluto5037]

This guy is part of the problem!

[@floatpoint1050]

It is public money. We as the public must know what "OUR" money is been used for

[@ZwelonkeMathenjwa]

Transparency is part of it. We are the taxpayers which means we are the stakeholders. We are simply being informed where our money has been spent as it is our right to know. If you are too embarrassed about having your name on the list, then don't take the money. The Minister is simply being accountable to taxpayers.

[@Sankishi2024]

So arrogant...... This Guy!!! Useless

[@FerdinandPula]

this guy is a doctor by mistake

[@zanelethulimtshali9165]

He was the same guy who refuse to help the artist during covid in his offices , very rude as well

[@muchtruth]

Yes. We want transparency in every department.

[@Amor-zone]

*We've been crying for the transparency from the government all these years, now the transparency is here we are still complaining. This doesn't make sense at all*

[@nico-benkellerman977]

and so the criminals and thiefs are showing how upset they are becuase their stealing wil finaly stop

[@andyvogt3476]

Shame this poor man.

[@sagiemoodley8742]

I DONT AGREE WITH THIS GUY , WHY DIDDNT THE MINISTER AT THE TIME DIDNT GIVE THE ARTIST A FOOD PARCEL. HE IS DOING WHAT HE IS NOW

[@andrepotgieter7083]

Tax payers deserve to know how our money is being spent! The Minister is doing a great job and he needs to be congratulated! This Dr. has exposed himself as a money grabber. The Minister is cleaning up and that''s a great idea!

[@mhlongobonga3572]

😅😂 So this guy want us not to find out on who has been paying who?😅😂 if it's starting with Art & culture, sport & recreations let it bee those guys said they were not paid during Covid19 but some where over paid.

[@senzomemela1311]

In African culture, I help you with something, it is shameful for me to go and disclose to other people.... without your concern...where were you people born....

[@mhlongobonga3572]

😂😅 Awusimela ngeAfrican Culture eyinonsenses yokukhusela abantu abatya bodwa abanye behlupheka that's not African Culture thus Colonial Culture ​@@senzomemela1311

[@muhammedmerton2785]

U should listen to MP Gayton's interviews then u will hear that he has already sit in meetings with the arts and culture and so on

[@user-mq2po4sh5h]

We are tired of business behind closed doors, kube kusetyenziswa imali yethu. If it's taxpayers' money, make it public.

[@kcsesike5331]

There’s nothing wrong here, he sounds more like a politician who has an issue with PA… Sports Minister he’s absolutely correct while some people only got R350 but celebrities honoured more

[@quintonpaul6904]

Gravy Train is Over🤣🤣🤣

[@trudyneumann8945]

Its time for transparency in every department. Well done.

[@luigiragni2607]

Public money, Tax money. I should know as a taxpayer were my money goes.

[@alfredharris2725]

I don't know how he can say what he's saying. Please let the Minister do his work.

[@NealEsbend]

I think this guy is high on something we asked for transparency but yet still we want to complain we as the public and taxpayers have a right to know these things

[@athinintlauzana2175]

Bab Sipho Sithole is shaking😂😂 we want to know what happens with state funds, other ministers should follow suite

[@0i0_himself]

Eskom is buying a service, are artist selling a service to the department of arts and culture? So when people are helped it must be a secret because people don't want it to be known that they were helped by the state yet they don't show appreciation and publicly say the state did help without disclosure of the amounts. Why were they silent

[@damarisportia3608]

I am a professional nurse the so called frontliner during Covid 19. I was not even compensated during that difficult being affected by Covid 19 . I was only given 5 days of leave as compensation. I didn't even enjoy my tax

[@neommutle8033]

So true 👍🏾 ❤

[@Nikolizky]

This dude is talking about a provincial sector given R500k only, while the minister said some individual was given R20 Mil, but this dude still wants the status quo to continue unchallenged?

[@BrightMokome]

A lot of creatives have cried foul about Sipho Sithole.

[@zanelethulimtshali9165]

Yes true same issues was address to him and he never helped the artists when they boycotted his office them he looks guilt then 2021 and today I am happy he is being exposed

[@BrightMokome]

@zanelethulimtshali9165 Yes, he has exploited a lot of talent in SA. As much as he has contributed a lot tot he music industry, it was through corruption.

[@thabimahlobo7677]

This guy is capable of looting the industry... We must recall you

[@paballobutelezi5532]

Prof/Dr is very emotional...very worrying! Batho Pele (transparency)principles is applied in this manner

[@grantmaree3537]

Some people on the list never received money . Where did that money go?🤷‍♂️ This guy talk sh....t

[@theaskmembuyazi]

the best approach for public to know would be the total budget and the list of everyone who benefited from the spending, businesses, contractors and individuals.

[@toeknee6220]

Who is this guy and what is he talking about?? Maybe he was also chowing

[@aobakweCup326D]

Yeah, he owns record label. So, he is shaking

[@toeknee6220]

@@aobakweCup326D Makes sense now...🤣🤣

[@AlfredJamu]

That must be one of the worst interviewer's i have seen. She couldn't even ask relevant interrogation questions. That guy cant be a Proffessor and a leader in the industry. His an empty head!

[@thabomasemola74]

Am not a fan of Gayton but this guy is speaking nonsense as if he has a personal vendetta

[@senzomemela1311]

Gayton is acting as if he has a personal vendetta against artists...

[@xhosakoloni4716]

Agree

[@harley1450ification]

@@senzomemela1311 no he's not. The ones who deserved the funding are safe. It's the ones who did not deserve, the rich ones who must be scared.

[@SHARNICKSwarts]

Hey alml ini cabinet het gesweer daar but diep ini hart is hule skelms..cyril is moeg van jule soort.

[@thebrainwave7154]

how is getting R20k or R70k a shame, the man is doing what all government should be doing, being transparent to the public since they work or should be working for us.all the minister is saying why is so much money being allocated to certain parts of the society when we could help artists but paying them less than we did and take the rest and put it in areas that is going to help most in that sector, all this secrecy is the reason why ANC have been stealing from us for 3 decades without any repercussion

[@mossfairy3060]

We want to know where exactly OUR money is going and to who?

[@Mapiano_Arts]

Transparency is criminalizing now...Tjo! doctor?

[@harley1450ification]

😂😂

[@charlesrebele7811]

We need to know who got the money and who didn't, its tax payers money. Ntate Sithole shouldn't play with us.

[@zusibone]

Im disappointed to this guy. They have been benefitting from the rot then. Wow..

[@user-ib4pg5rq2d]

Guilty as charged, it is sad that he is a doctor with no vision. Already in that list there are names of people who did not get money. How would they know that their names were being used by recording companies.

[@bigl3885]

"He should be recalled, the president should recall him" "I am willing to talk to the Minister, if he's willing to listen" Do you seriously think he'll listen to you after you insulted him like that?😳

[@marabunya]

People in the entertainment industry should just be thankful that they got these millions of rands for free from our tax money so that they could continue pay their luxury expenses wherever they live. There are extremely poor people who can't even show you where Sandton is located and all they got was R350, if they were lucky. This man is just here to defend a ridiculous case.

[@musandasikhwivhilu]

Let us see who benefitted because some may have been paid wrongly.

[@jamespick5199]

Maybe he knows something, maybe he also ate something irregular

[@gordenmg4966]

By law we all should have access to information the new minister did well by exposing the expenditure, this man is out of line.

[@luciankirk]

We are happy with Lord Gayton this far, and we are very excited to see what new ideas he brings.

[@vijayjagannath2870]

Dont be afrsid of your name being pyblished. This is money contributed by hard working south african tax payers.They have a right to know who the beneficiafies are. only the corrupt will be unhappy

[@collinphahlane7527]

Surely he is been benefiting from that.

[@luckymahlangu8619]

If you big guy did not benefit incorrectly why are you against this???!!!Democracy doesn't say LOOT &. Take what's not Rightfully yours ...it's called TRANSPARENCY..get over it..the voters need to know

[@user-eq4sm6gf1q]

Something is wrong with mr sthole he missed the point the are artists who didn't get that money why n why are they not getting the same amount some got a mere 2000 n other's got 75000 we want our money im a struggling artists

[@elenasmith6401]

He sounds like one of the privileged gravy train riders.

[@darrenjacobs7918]

This Dr is a clown. GM ons biza nie. Sit hom op sy plek.

[@humaniduncan6377]

Celebs, so-called “artists” are so entitled, if you’re receiving taxpayer money the public deserve to know.

[@Buliboy100]

Well done, minister....expose the rot. Those who are innocent have nothing to worry about.

[@jbmzala]

If Dr Sithole is genuine why not seek an audience with the minister instead of being patronising to him.

[@senzomemela1311]

The minister has already shamed people by publishing their names without their permission...he needs to react ....

[@muhammedmerton2785]

​@senzomemela1311 by law the budget and spending of the country is public knowledge ne permission needed u are out of order do your research before defending this fool coz u acting like this Fool right now

[@paulvorster5876]

Dr Sipho Here I sit with AFTER affects from the covert injection I cant do my job ,my wife has to work a dabble job so a lot of people got more problems so let the minister do his job and he will still be there to expose more criminals.