Cape Town – Comedian Marc Lottering has criticised the South African government for failing to support the country’s artists, as the arts industry continues to battle under the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lottering took to Twitter to voice his disappointment with the government’s approach to the arts during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“Spare a thought for many singers, comedians, actors, dancers and musicians, that is those who rely on live theatre to survive. Many have not received an income in two years. The government does not seem to give a sh*t,” he wrote.
— Marc Lottering (@marclottering) August 30, 2021
According to Times Live, the comedian’s tweet was prompted by a fellow artist who confided in him about his struggles, asking him for money to buy food.
“I had just got off the phone with a suicidally depressed actor who was looking to borrow R100 for food.
“Most have not been able to earn a cent for two [y]ears. Money set aside for artists after the pandemic hit was stolen. Sadly, most of us were not in shock. We just looked on with usual disgust,” the report quoted Lottering as saying.
He said the government had shown no concern for artists.
Marc is not the only artist to have voiced his concern over the governments’ response towards the arts industry.
Media personality and actress, Pearl Thusi, recently pleaded with the Minister of Sports Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, to give support to local artists.
“Dear Minister @NathiMthethwaSA, I say this in the sincerely way… artists are struggling… can you assist with actual support/ money like how you tweet us congrats and condolences,” Thusi write on her Twitter account.
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Picture: Twitter/@marclottering
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
