Natasha Thahane reveals she received R1-million from government for her studies

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". 

READ: EXPLAINER: Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?

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.

READ: Mmusi Maimane quits as DA leader

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.