Actress Nokuthula Mavuso has penned a detailed Twitter thread to minister Nathi Mthethwa detailing her struggles as a freelance actress during the lockdown.
The SAFTA nominated actor said that as a freelance actress, who last worked in April 2019 before the birth of her child, she was in a hard financial position.
“Dear, @NathiMthethwaSA @PresidencyZA, My name is Nokuthula Mavuso and I’m a freelance actor who hasn’t worked since the birth of my child in April 2019. I was due to work on a series that was meant to shoot on March 26 2020. The project cannot resume until ports of entry are reopened.”
The former "Umlilo" star explained that her upcoming job was postponed due to the global pandemic and the lockdown imposed in South Africa.
Furthermore, the actress said she had hoped the announced R150 million relief fund allocated to help performers and artists during the lockdown would help her, but even after submitting all necessary documentation, she had been met with nothing but silence.
“I was hopeful that the fund would cushion the #LockdownSA #COVID19SA blow. I sent through all required docs by your dept, I’m yet to receive an acknowledgment of receipt from your dept. It pains me that actors like myself have been ignored or rejected without plausible explanation,” she said.
Other actresses such as Renate Stuurman, Rami Chuene and Florence Masebe have also asked similar questions of the department in recent days.
Read the full thread below.
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/NathiMthethwaSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NathiMthethwaSA @PresidencyZA
My name is Nokuthula Mavuso & I'm a freelance actor who hasn't worked since the birth of my child in April2019. I was due to work on a series that was meant to shoot on 26March'20. The project cannot resume until ports of entry are reopened
— 🌈Nokuthula Mavuso (@NoxNonozi)
%%%twitter https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCIFSA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCIFSAdoes not represent many like myself. I have engaged with the leadership on this platform on how membership works, no answers. If you could kindly advise on a way forward.
— 🌈Nokuthula Mavuso (@NoxNonozi)
Many replied to Nokuthula saying they too had heard nothing from the department.
My friends applied for the releaf with all supporting documents but declined. I'm talking about big artists and I won't mention their names. One may ask, was this funds designed for some specific people?
— Nathi Dludla ™🇿🇦 (@Natz_Dludla) May 14, 2020
I tweeted in the morning about the same thing. Application sent on time with documents in place but we have not received any communication. I feel like artists are not being taken seriously in this country. Its been over a month but we still in the dark.
— 🌈 Nqobile Peach 🏳️🌈 (@ledisiafricainv) May 14, 2020
The government is messing this one up. I forsee a commission of inquiry. Is there any artist who has received this fund? May be a list of recipients should be published.
— Tlou (@RamelaMP) May 14, 2020
Honestly this Covid 19 has exposed some ministers 's capabilities.I am not in Arts but all i know is that most performers are very frustrated.If there is perfomance review,some ministers deserve 0 out of 5.Its hard to be led by someone with no relevant skills or qualifications.
— Tsabeng (@TsabengMM) May 14, 2020
Prove us wrong minister. People says you are a minister of condolences. I am yet to believe. Now it's your chance to show off
— Zwovulea Nenungwi (@ZwoPrudence) May 14, 2020