DA Pursues Gayton McKenzie Over Financial Conduct

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has escalated its call for transparency, formally requesting that Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie and the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) adjudication panel appear before Parliament. This move follows serious allegations of political bias and mismanagement in the distribution of arts funding.

DA Submits Formal Request to Parliament

The party submitted its request to Joe McGluwa, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture. The DA’s action stems from growing concerns that public money intended for South Africa’s creative sector was improperly directed.

Leah Potgieter, the DA’s spokesperson on sport, arts and culture, stated that established cultural festivals were denied their usual support. She said these events were forced to reapply to the MGE, only to have their applications rejected.

Potgieter specifically named major events like the National Arts Festival, KKNK, Woordfees, Suidoosterfees, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival as being excluded from prior funding. The DA alleges that events linked to the Patriotic Alliance (PA), the party led by Minister Gayton McKenzie, received financial backing instead.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Funding Process Under Scrutiny

The MGE fund, which is allocated R1.4 billion over the medium term according to GCIS records, is designed to stimulate the arts economy. The DA now claims the adjudication process has been compromised, pointing to potential political interference.

The party alleges that the appointment of the MGE adjudication panel was politically influenced. It states that several panel members hold active political roles and that the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture failed to conduct proper conflict-of-interest checks.

Potgieter stated this constitutes a breach of good governance as outlined in the King IV Code on Corporate Governance and public service regulations. The situation places the management of the Mzansi Golden Economy fund under intense parliamentary scrutiny.

Minister McKenzie Faces Accountability Questions

The DA has also criticized Minister Gayton McKenzie for failing to respond to written parliamentary questions submitted on 17 September. Those questions sought a detailed explanation and evidence regarding the MGE funding decisions.

With no response provided within the legally required timeframe, the DA is demanding full disclosure of all MGE allocations. The party insists on a formal parliamentary inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly.

“We are calling on the committee to summon the minister and the adjudication panel to account. Transparency in the use of public funds is non-negotiable, especially in the arts sector, where livelihoods are at stake,” Potgieter said. The controversy threatens public trust in the Mzansi Golden Economy programme as the arts sector struggles with limited resources. The portfolio committee has yet to confirm if it will summon the minister.