As we have all heard the Minister of Arts and Cultures delivery speech on the relief fund on the 4 May 2020, here are the critical issues we would like to address:

1. Artists and event organizers will be given a once off fee which is R 20 000 that is if you qualify irrespective of how much you were to make on the cancelled events / irrespective of the rate you were to be paid as an artist.

2. Most applications turned down due to not being complete, documents missing etc

3. There was no mention of traditional & religious leaders in the relief fund.

This is unfair as we do not believe we can survive on R 20 000 as we have expenses, kids to look after, rent / bond, car installments and need food and toiletries to survive. We feel this is really more than being unfair as no one ever offered us any means of assistance and worse the delay caused by the department of arts and culture. We therefore conclude that Minister Nathi Mthethwa be removed as the Minister of Arts & Culture and also demand the following:

Groceries on a monthly basis that we will be given by government for the duration of lock-down or rather until we can be able to go back to work.

A reasonable monthly stipend of R 6000 as we do not have any means of income.

As South African Citizens, we are hoping that our voice will be heard and respected.