Minnie Dlamini caught up in R10m IDC funding drama

Television presenter and producer Minnie Dlamini had to issue a statement correcting a claim she made in her cover feature interview for the December issue of Destiny Magazine wherein she said the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) had granted her R10 million in start-up costs for her company.

https://twitter.com/Ricky4point0/status/1082541228154146817

After reading the article, a Twitter user flagged the claim which sparked outrage amongst entrepreneurs who often struggle to get funding. They seemed to be of the belief that Dlamini was given the funds (and not a loan) because of her celebrity status.

Regarding the Minnie Dlamini getting a R10 m grant from the Pic.. I think it's more of an ethical question,. Is proximity to key stakeholders and or relationships in relation to funding the Gov (IDC) that has been specifically set aside for entruprenuers considered corruption??? pic.twitter.com/6ndauBZt6c

— Miss Status Quo (@Synesyfe) January 8, 2019

In the article, Dlamini explained that the IDC graciously gave her company a R10 million grant to cover the start-up costs and that projections show that the range could possibly make that money back within a year.

Her statement that she found the application process fairly easy caused further outrage due to the struggles other applicants faced in their own pursuit for funding.

https://twitter.com/thiofhilambani/status/1089800924086833152

https://twitter.com/thiofhilambani/status/1089799950702125056

One Twitter user even went as far as lodging a complaint with the Public Protectors Office.

If this is true, I would like to bring in @AdvMkhwebane @PublicProtector to investigate @IDCSouthAfrica

— Mkabayi ka Babakhe (@na_sibanibani) January 8, 2019

Please send the complaint to registration2@pprotect.org

— Adv Busisiwe Mkhwebane (@AdvBMkhwebane) January 8, 2019

Reporting back on progress #CountryDuty pic.twitter.com/e71wFqPsAj

— Mkabayi ka Babakhe (@na_sibanibani) January 14, 2019

This prompted Dlamini to backtrack on what she initially said, claiming that it was a mistake on her part. In a tweet sent earlier this week, Dlamini said her funding was, in fact, a loan that is payable with interest and that her application for said funding is still pending.

https://twitter.com/MinnieDlamini/status/1090525815283113984

The IDC also addressed the matter, confirming that her claim was incorrect.

https://twitter.com/Ricky4point0/status/1090135620570222592

ALSO READ: Tshokolo Nchocho appointed IDC chief executive on five-year contract

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