Natasha Thahane has clarified the recent drama after the claims she got financial help from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture towards her studies at the New York Film Academy.
Speaking on “Podcast and Chill with MacG, Natasha said she received financial help from that department with help of politician Baleka Mbete.
“I asked Mam’ Baleka (Mbete) and was like, ‘Mama, I need to go back to school. I’ve been accepted … I don’t know what I’m going to do, can I have funds? Please arrange something for me.’
“She managed to speak to (the department) Arts and Culture and they gave me funding,” she said.
Her words catch the attention of many viewers including politician Mmusi Maimane, who demanded answer from the actress and department respectively.
After the video went viral on social media, the actress took to her social media platform to apologise to the former deputy president and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
“I did not receive R1 million from Mam Baleka Mbethe or the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture,” she said.
Natasha said she approached the politician for advice about funding options when they were in the same building after she had been accepted by the New York film school.
“She then advised me to explore the Department of Sports and Arts and Culture because they have got funding opportunities. That was my first conversation and my last conversation with her.
“She did not make any calls on my behalf and did not send any emails on my behalf and I apologise for diluting the entire scenario because I made it seem like I had a personal relationship with her.”
The “Blood & Water” star went on to say that after her funding application was approved by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture she only received R350 000 for her first semester towards her tuition.
