JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA SEPTEMBER 10: Arthur Mafokate performs during the SABC concert at the Orlando Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The concert organized to thank the SABC for its initiative to promote local music, saw a surprise performance from kwaito star, Mandoza who was reportedly not well. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan / Mabuti Kali)
Arthur Mafokate alleges that some within the NAC are trying to paint him as corrupt – and also denies trying to make a quick buck from funds meant for struggling artists
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA SEPTEMBER 10: Arthur Mafokate performs during the SABC concert at the Orlando Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The concert organized to thank the SABC for its initiative to promote local music, saw a surprise performance from kwaito star, Mandoza who was reportedly not well. (Photo by Gallo Images / Sowetan / Mabuti Kali)
Veteran music producer Arthur Mafokate has vehemently denied reports that his companies received a whopping R10 million in total from the National Arts Council (NAC).
“I wish to state categorically that I have no affiliations with the previous nor current board which is now place at the NAC,” Mafokate said.
It had been reported by Daily Sun that several companies with ties to Mafokate struck it lucky, with the help of an insider at the NAC. The funds allegedly came from the COVID-19 relief scheme which is aimed at helping artists who have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It must be put on record that I have not received any monies from the NAC. In fact, such a narrative puts us and others in a compromised position. All we did was apply for funding to implement projects to benefit the industry. The NAC’s promises to pay the funding have fallen short and its some of its personnel are apparently under investigation themselves,”
Musician Arthur Mafokate
According to the initial Daily Sun report, some of the companies belong to two of Arthur Mafokate’s children.
Daily Sun had claimed to be in possession of NAC records which show that:
The NAC is taking action against their officials who allegedly misused the R300 million set aside to help struggling artists during the pandemic. Artists claim that they have not received a cent from that stimulus package.
Mafokate claims some people within the NAC are targeting him and seek to paint him as corrupt.
“Our projects are now under scrutiny and intention is to halt the promised payments towards our projects. They do not understand that the money should be allocated to employing thousands of people. Their mentality assumes any funding is for a quick buck and thus, brings my reputation and those of my companies and organisations I am affiliated to into disrepute,” he said.