Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture @NathiMthethwaSA To Address Coronavirus Impact In The Creative Industries At 2pm

As we begin the new decade, the entire country and world at large faces one of the most confusing times with the outbreak of Covid-19. Affecting almost all businesses, the creatives take hardest hit as well. As the President announced measures put in place to aid small business during the 21-day lockdown, there was no word on creatives who depend on gigs and performing in public spaces. 

Taking to social media, multiple creatives from different genres and fields such as Cassper Nyovest, Thandiswa Mazwai, Minnie Dhlamini, Bonnie Mbuli, and Simphiwe Dana posed their concerns to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthwethwa;

I said what about the arts. The whole industry. Nothing was said about them.

— R.M Phoolo (@casspernyovest) March 24, 2020

Has anything been said about the freelancers in the entertainment industry? @NathiMthethwaSA

— Minnie Dlamini Jones (@MinnieDlamini) March 24, 2020

@NathiMthethwaSA please talk to us. It’s real outchea. The Prez didn’t talk directly to our industries but you are the mouth piece. Ithini into. Most artists are basically unemployed until gard knows when. Is there a relief fund in the works? Some grant for these hard times?

— KingTha (@thandiswamazwai) March 24, 2020

I’m really hoping for leadership from @ArtsCultureSA. I haven’t been able to get any communication from them regarding my current outstanding funds. Given the current climate you’d think they’d act more swiftly to pay off whatever is owed to those they fund. https://t.co/1MpdGeX2YR

— #BamakoIsComing (@simphiwedana) March 24, 2020

Artists, ur on your own in SA.

— Bonnie Mbuli (@BonnieMbuli) March 23, 2020

Heeding the call, the Minister mentioned that he has noted all the comments and will take action by addressing all members of the media about the critical issue of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture's response to how the Coronavirus pandemic is affecting our Creative Industries.. This address will take place at 2pm today.

Good day Bonnie, I have noted your comments and you can rest assured that Artists are not on their own in South Africa. Kindly note that today at 2pm I'll address members of the media regrind @ArtsCultureSA's response to how the Coronavirus is impacting the Creative Industries. https://t.co/rx6ALzqH4i

— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 25, 2020

Hi Refiloe, kindly note that I'll be addressing the media today at 2pm about the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture's @ArtsCultureSA response to how the Coronavirus is impacting the Creative Industries. I'll also post these announcements on my social media platforms. https://t.co/6AYIAj8fbD

— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 25, 2020