ANCYL slams department of sports, arts and culture under Gayton Mckenzie’s leadership

by Nomonde Simelane

Transparency has been a top priority for recently appointed Sports, Arts and Culture minister and Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton Mckenzie. In an effort to be as transparent as possible, the minister ordered the list of 2020/2021 list of Covid beneficiaries, which consisted of 3,962 names and a total payout of over R72 million.

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has since spoken out and condemned the Minister’s decision as “disgraceful” and “unacceptable”. The youth league has also accused the department of undermining the very same people it is meant to protect highlighting the department’s primary role, which is to “create a nurturing environment for our creatives and artists, offering them the support they need to excel,” says ANCYL in their statement released on X (formally Twitter).

The ANCYL has emphasised their commitment to advocating for the dignity of South African artists and creatives as it always has. “The ANCYL will not sit back and watch the department abuse artists, creatives, and super fans. We will fiercely oppose any form of exploitation or mistreatment of those who enrich our cultural and sporting heritage.” They reiterated, and continued to say, “We will continue to fight relentlessly for a cultural and sporting environment where every artist receives the support and recognition they deserve, free from unnecessary public scrutiny and financial exploitation.”

The ANCYL used recent BET award winner Makhadzi as an example of her personal experience which, “highlights the glaring incompetence and disconnect within the department,” after the artist had to fund her own trip to the international awards ceremony in Los Angeles recently. “We stand firmly with Makhadzi and all artists who have been impacted by these actions,” the ANCYL said.

Unfortunately for the department, the ANCYL are not the only ones to have spoken out against their actions under their leaders’ instructions. The EFF as well as the Creative and Cultural Industry Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) have denounced minister Gayton Mckenzie. “Instead of addressing their stance on official supporters, the department chose to deflect by disclosing the amounts of money they paid to Makhadzi for her performances and appearances,” the EFF said in their own statement. 

Also see: Gayton McKenzie vows to expose all artists who have been benefiting from the department