South African celebrities have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and many have come forth to declare poverty. First veteran actor Vusi Thanda confessed to having been broke and received crowdfunding from his fans of R200 000 and R35 000 from Kicks footwear. Dr Goodwill Malinga did the same and detailed how he owed the South African Revenue Service R500 000, which he is still paying and partially paid from donations from fans.
Gospel singer Lusanda Mcinga hs confirmed that she too has been dealing withs ome financial woes. The Eastern Cape singer took to social media in a video asking her followers for donations. "I have a problem. Ever since the beginniing of COVID-19 in 2020, 21, and 22, I have not been able to get gigs or record,' she shared in a video on social media.
STRUGGLING TO GET FOOD AND LOSING ASSETS
Lusanda says she can barely afford to put food on the table. "I'm now struggling to get food but fortunately my child, Betusile is buying food for me,' she adds. "He is the sole breadwinner and gives me money from time to time. But it's getting too much even for him..' Lusanda says she lost some of her valuables including her car. "All my cars were repossessed during COVID-19. I couldn't pay the bank. From time to time, I get money from friends, even R200 feels like a million to me. That is how bad things have become.' Lusanda says recording music needs a lot of money. "I don't have it. I am appealing to anyone to assist me. I want to go to Johannesburg to record,' she adds.
MCINGA FAMILY UNHAPPY ABOUT BROKE DECLARATION
The Intsikelelo singer's family is unhappy about Lusanda publicly speaking about her financial issues. In a statement, a relative and family spokesperson, Siyabonga Ndumbu says she is struggling but she is exaggerating her situation."Yes, as the family we are aware that mama Lusanda is struggling as any other local artist post-the Covid-19 pandemic. We are also aware that as per her wish she wants to raise funds to record her new album to close off her musical career. To that end, as her children, we sent proposals to various departments and businesspeople, and at the moment we have had one positive response.' Lusanda threatened to leave the music industry due to her financial suffering. "We have not had time to meet our mother Lusanda Mcinga to discuss the veracity of the video and the events that led to the recording of the plea.' Siyabonga thanked her fans for their concerns. "We wish to thank everyone concerned. Please kindly afford us some time to sit down as a family and discuss the way forward."
Read the full statement:
