Gov’t goes after artists over COVID-19 funds

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Sunday May 29, 2022 06:00

 

Gov’t goes after artists over COVID-19 funds

In a move that has allegedly shocked the artists and the industry, the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture has notified some artists who are on government payroll to return the money they received through the Botswana Unified Revenue Services (BURS) disbursed to assist the arts.

In a letter seen by this publication dated March 29, 2022, the ministry says it has conducted an audit on financial relief programme that was extended to the arts and culture sector to cushion the creatives on the negative effects of the lockdowns and movement restrictions that were put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“The audit findings revealed that you benefited from the MYSC relief programme while you are a government employee,” read the letter in part.

The correspondent was written by Principal Programmes Officer I at the ministry’s office in Mogoditshane/Thamaga sub district to one of the artists who is also a government employee.

The letter requested the said artist, who did not want to be named fearing victimisation to refund the “amount of P7,500, which were paid to you through the arts and culture relief programme. The correspondence demanded the said officer to contact the MYSC Mogoditshane office to come up with a payment plan.

It is said that the audit has revealed that a good number of artists benefited from the programme even though they were not supposed to have benefited.

Meanwhile, it is also said that government has barred public employees from participating in the President’s Day Competitions.

While the decision has allegedly brought discomfort in the arts sector, Thapong Visual Arts Centre director, Reginald Bakwena, said he was not aware of that communication. “I’m not sure. I haven’t seen the communique if it exists,” he said.

The Botswana Music Union (BOMU) president Phemelo ‘Fresh Les’ Lesokwane also said the matter has not reached their office. “We are not aware of that; it’s the first time I hear. Maybe the person could have reported the matter to us,” said Lesokwane.

When contacted for comment, MYSC spokesperson, Masego Ramakgathi said COVID-19 was meant to ameliorate the condition of artists that did not have a source of income or livelihood, as such those who were employed benefited unduly.

“It was only meant for those that didn’t have a source of income,” he stressed.

Ramakgathi, however, denied that the ministry has barred government employees from participating in the President’s Day Competitions. He explained that the competitions are inclusive in nature and open to all citizens to celebrate the country’s rich, diverse cultural heritage.