Minister Usi launches Malawi Artists Welfare Fund with K16m opening account
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture. Dr Micheal Usi on Wednesday launched the Malawian Artist Welfare Fund which seeks to support artists in times of need such as sickness.
The fund with an opening account of K16 million is coming at a time when there have been long standing concerns from the arts industry that government does not support and care for members of the arts sector.
Before launching the fun at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe, Usi, who is also an artist, engaged the artists to discussions.
On Tuesday musician Patience Namadingo, turned himself into a living statue to help raise K3 million for fellow artist William Kachigamba who is seeking medical attention in Zambia for his cancerous lip.
And musicians also led another initiative to help raise funds for the construction of a house for veteran musician Giddes Chalamanda.
Chalamanda hogged the limelight last week when he featured on MIJ FM radion where he appealed for help from well-wishers.
“People should help me now when I am still alive,” he said during the interview.
The interview followed the announcement of FDH Bank’s support. The bank is currently giving Chalamanda a monthly K50 000 upkeep allowance in addition to constructing and stocking up a grocery shop for him.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
I agree,if they are serious they should find their tomorrow life,not from government coffers please. These guys when able live in heaven on earth. Ndalama yawo imathela mu purezha,vodwala mowapasaso zaboma😭😭,zatuzi,ayi. Everyone will now come for funding, from vosoka nsapato,ma vendor,vanjinga. Let’s look into what we do today bring tomorrow. 75% of people fund their tomorrow, what’s special about these artists?
Foolish action, I hope this money comes from private donors- if any would be stupid enough- not tax payers money. If you want to help artisits, make it mandatory for the to buy medical and pension insurance policies using own funds. They make a lot of money but like most Malawians, they do not make good investiment decisions. Its not government role to pay medical bills for sick artists. They should go the public health facilities like everyone else. Mbuzi za tonse
Why should all.Malawians pay for the welfare of anthu a ulesi ma.artists? Mmesa imeneyo ndi ntchito yawo? Amakhala moyo wa.matama akamapanga ndalama.sadziwa za mmawa. Chimodzimodzi ma player ndalama kuthera kukwata azimai a eni ndi ma hule. Akadwala ndiye aziti tiwathandize ?
I think what you have said has a point, it would be better if the same artists should also have their own fraternal not as what the Government want to do. These guys are damn lazy! They make money but they don’t save for their future and their families too. Let not Tonse spice their ignorance! This is nonsense!