Singer and dancer Chomee, real name Thulisile Madihlaba has denied receiving R2-million from the National Arts Council, claiming that she’s been put under scrutiny!
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“It is indeed a sad day in South Africa and to be specific in the struggle to ensure gender parity,
emancipate and uplift women in this country, when a woman is openly vilified by men in white
owned and controlled newsrooms because she applied for funding and was approved like all other
thousand of applicants who did the same thing,” said Chomee.
Chomee has asked herself what did she do that is wrong or different as an applicant to an open call for funding.
“The question I am asking myself is: what did I do that is wrong or different as an applicant, to an
open call for funding. Why am I in the newspapers and newsrooms and being questioned for doing
what others did?” said Chomee.
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Chomee has also assumed that she’s not deserving of the funding or because she’s a black woman.
“Is it because I am not deserving of funding, or because I am a black woman? The list released shows
women of all races who applied for the funding got approved and some even received part
payment and no one is asking them anything, were they asked as to whom they dated before
applying, or is it just me?” questioned Chomee.
“I am an artist and since I was a six-year-old kid, I have graced stages locally, continentally, and
internationally, I have released albums/CDs and the record of all my performance and music is public
knowledge for anyone who is interested in a bit of factual information.
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“I was affected by the lockdown like all other practitioners and lost a lot of work. Why then am I under this scrutiny? Is it because a black woman is not deserving of R2 million funding? Is it because a black
woman cannot manage money or projects meant to empower other black women in the industry?
The PESP funding is for creating jobs opportunities and unfortunately no journalist has to date asked
me as to how many jobs am, I plan to create and where will these be created and who are the
intended beneficiaries.
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“It is falsely reported that I received R2 million and to date, I have not received a cent in my account to
start this project. Why would a journalist not double-check such basic information with the NAC
before believing their so-called faceless sources? Why are journalists using social media and unverified reports to write stories without doing simple research to check for facts? I am more not a victim of those who are slandering me and my name for no good reason, but more of a victim of bad journalism,” expressed Chomee.
Chomee works closely with Arthur Mafokate who has been questioned in relation to the same funding drama.
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“I hope that one day in this country, women will be respected for who they are and not be treated
and defined through the lens and eyes of men, but be seen for who they are, for the work they do, and the contribution they make to society without being attached to me,” concluded Chomee.
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