The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has learned that there are individuals using social media and other platforms to entice unsuspecting and prospective artists to part with funds in order to register for Macufe.
The Department sees this in a very serious light and would like to ask all artists and/or prospective artists not to be caught unaware.
In the case in point, social media posts have asked people that are interested in registering to participate in Macufe to pay a set sum of money to register. The post is a scam and designed to use a well-known brand such as Macufe for individual gain.
The Department would like to reiterate that all correspondence, communication, call-to-action and programmes pertaining to Macufe will be communicated via the Department’s official platforms.
Furthermore, the Department runs several Macufe programmes during the run-up to the festival, identifying and promoting new talent to showcase at the festival. These programmes are run throughout the province and are at no cost. The individual programmes and auditions will be communicated in due time and as previously stated, through departmental platforms only.
“It is unacceptable that a festival with the reputation and excellence such as Macufe is used by individuals for personal gain, be it socially or financially. I urge artist of the Free State not to fall for these scams, and be on the look-out for official invitations to auditions and Macufe Programmes.
It has always been the mandate of the Department to ensure the development, recognition and promotion of local talent,” stated MEC Mathabo Leeto.
– Statement issued
