WATCH: McKenzie tells Jack Devnarain, ‘You’re not above other artists’

Gayton McKenzie

Cape Town – Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has responded to actor Jack Devnarain’s social media accusations that the department and producers are silent on the struggles of performers.

In a video on X, Devnarain criticised the industry for failing to address nonpayment issues, claiming that the silence from producers, broadcasters, and the government is damaging the industry.

“Silence from producers, broadcasters, government, and industry organisations is the sound of failure, and nobody wants to step up and admit they failed to protect the rights of performers, crew and background actors.

“The problem is we have normalised silence. If you step back and look at the damage inflicted on the industry through nonpayments, there should be all kinds of alarms, sirens, and media statements by the government, ministers wagging their fingers. There should be interventions by industry organisations, but no, none of that is happening — just silence,” he said.

McKenzie, however, rejected these accusations, saying that he had met with Devnarain shortly after taking office and had promised to take action.

“You were [among] the first people I met when I assumed office; I listened and promised to act,” McKenzie said. “You invited me to a Hindu celebration; I honoured that invite and spoke at that event. I can’t report to your organisation exclusively. Why accuse us of silence? We will soon have solutions.”

The minister also expressed frustration with celebrities using social media to pressure government officials and emphasised that the department treats all artists equally.

“Many celebrities use social media to bully government officials; they want us to jump when they speak. I’m different; your time of exclusive access is over. You might be famous, but you are not more important than other artists. We treat people equally at the department.”

McKenzie assured that solutions are forthcoming and dismissed the idea that he was neglecting the issue.

Devnarain also said that he has written to the department of employment and labour to request a meeting on the impact of nonpayment.

And the minister responded, saying: “I have absolutely no doubt about your viable proposals. I know your heart and passion; my issue is that your post creates the impression that I am silent or found wanting. We have had three meetings with the industry since I heard about the dissatisfaction. Things are about to change.”

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