WATCH: Natasha Thahane releases statement on R1-million funding debacle
The actress clears up the story of the R1-million funding from the government to study at the New York Film Academy.
After Twitter was abuzz over the weekend following the revelation made by Natasha Thahane that she received funding from the South African government, she has released a statement to clarify her statements.
Watch the video below:
Official Statement. pic.twitter.com/HiczveVKC5
— Natasha Thahane (@Natasha_Thahane) November 30, 2021
PREVIOUSLY
Twitter was abuzz over the weekend following the revelation made by Natasha Thahane that she received funding from the South African government.
The actress says she needed funding in 2017 after being accepted into the New York Film Academy.
She told MacG's Podcast & Chill that she reached out to several people, including the Barack Obama Foundation, but only got help after contacting Baleka Mbete.
She says Mbete arranged for her to get the R1-million for her studies.
"I went to maam Baleka Mbete, who was still the Chairperson of Parliament then, I'm like "Mama, I need to go and study," she said.
The media personality, who is the granddaughter of Desmond Tutu, says she needed over R1-million for her studies.
"She [ Baleka Mbete] managed to speak to Arts and Culture and then they gave me funding".
WATCH: Natasha Thahane shows off her surprise musical skillsA
Yoh 🤭 | Natasha Thahane implicating Baleka Mbete and Department of Arts and Culture there by #macgpodcastandchill
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) November 27, 2021
While others complete application forms, Nathi Mthethwa department gave her money because she is a granddaughter of Desmond Tutu. 🚮 https://t.co/InXl7gygVb
I applied for funding, no one responded. Until the school assisted me get in contact with the department.
— Natasha Thahane (@Natasha_Thahane) November 27, 2021
I even emailed Barack Obama’s Foundation hoping I’d get assistance. #Natasha pic.twitter.com/fqdZLIXlYm
Investigation
One South Africa leader, Mmusi Maimane, says Natasha needs to tell the nation the exact amount she received from the government.
“I hope you can have a conversation with the nation about this academic funding. How much it was, how it was processed and your reflections on your personal use of networks to access state support. I think you do owe the public that much, Natasha,” he said in a post on Instagram.
He also asked for Nathi Mthethwa to give South Africans clarity on the funds.
“Mr condolences Nathi Mthethwa, we also need clarity from your office about the disbursement of these funds,” he said.
I hope that you can have a conversation with the nation about this academic funding.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) November 27, 2021
How much it was, how it was processed and your reflections on your personal use of networks to access state support.
I think you do owe the public that much @Natasha_Thahane #NatashaMillion.
Twitter reaction
South Africans took to social media to express their feelings over the funds.
Many said it was unfair for Natasha to receive so much money from the government, which could have been used to fund poor South African students.
According to Fundi.co.za, between 50-60% of first year students drop out. It reports that one of the major reasons that students drop out is because of financial struggles.
You're a beneficiary and perpetrator of corruption. How many kids have the previlge to call Government leaders and arrange for R1m pic.twitter.com/J4zrItViMq
— MAPS ZA🇿🇦 (@Maps_pj) November 27, 2021
Natasha Thahane was given R1Million by Baleka Mbete to go study overseas the money came from the dept of Arts & Culture
— Msunu Wabelungu (@Msunu_wabelungu) November 26, 2021
we have nothing personal against Natasha,but a Young girl from Alex also needs this money to go & Study if its readily available since other people can get it pic.twitter.com/kB8mdotKdu
Natasha Thahane merely exposed and verbalised how the world actually runs and works: nepotism, cronyism and privilege is how the elite remain in that class for generations, by looking out for each other. Meritocracy is a myth and lie that’s used to silence marginalized people.
— Paballo Chauke (@ChatWithChauke) November 27, 2021
We are not bitter, sib’hlungu because she could make one phone call that afforded her an entire mil when there’s students that beg the government every year to atleast help them pay 10% of that. If you can’t understand that then I don’t know hey.
— 𝓢𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓱𝓲𝔀𝓮🦄🦋 (@Siimmy_n) November 27, 2021
Main image attribution: Twitter/Natasha Thahane