Award-winning singer Makhadzi went live on Facebook and addressed the statement from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture detailing how much money she has received from the department. Picture: GCIS and Oluthando Keteyi/IOL
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has extended an olive branch to Makhadzi by purchasing over 200 tickets out of pocket for the Limpopo talent’s upcoming show at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in December.
The minister and the singing sensation clashed publicly earlier this year over claims that Makhadzi received no support from the government after the Limpopo musician bagged an award at the BET Awards.
McKenzie revealed that DSAC had spent R230,000 in booking the singer, which did not go down well for the singer at the time as the minister had been on a concerted campaign at the time, threatening to name and shame business people and artists who benefitted improperly from the department.
This week, McKenzie took to his X account in response to singer Makhadzi’s post, where she announced the date of her one-woman show.
“I will be there and will buy 200 tickets for those who want to accompany me to Peter Mokaba to see one of our biggest stars in the world,” he said.
The DSAC spokesperson Zimasa Velaphi said the funds for the sponsored tickets would come personally from McKenzie’s pocket.
The early bird tickets, which are already sold out, are priced at R70, while General Phase 1 tickets are R120 and Golden Circle tickets are R499.
Netizens were excited by the announcement, volunteering to join the event and praising the minister for his involvement in the arts sector.
X user @Khandizwe_Chris commented: “A big shout-out to you, Mr. Gayton. You're not perfect, but the work you do on the ground is amazing. You're a man of your word.
“I wish other ministers would learn from you, and I promise there would be a huge change in South Africa.”
@DlaminiDukani wrote: “Gayton, my Gayton, where have you been all this time, minister? No other minister is like you. You are unique.”
McKenzie’s gesture comes after Makhadzi expressed frustration that R&B singer Chris Brown’s concert tickets, for his upcoming performance at FNB Stadium this December, sold out in just two hours.
The "Matorokisi" hitmaker complained about her own slower ticket sales in comparison. The Limpopo signer and performer has not responded yet on any public platform acknowledging the minister’s gesture.
The star studded line up includes the likes of Zola 7 Malaika, Nkosazana Daughter, Lwah Ndlunkulu and Sho Madjozi to list a few.
IOL