Cape Town – The new Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has announced on social media that he will donate his first salary to an art gallery in Krugersdorp.
McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), expressed deep concern for the struggles faced by artists in Kagiso.
“I was deeply touched when the DM @SportArtsCultur told me abt the plight of artist in Kagiso, I couldn’t believe that they managed to keep this gallery open despite the many obstacles. It is truly a heartbreaking afternoon for me.
A thread: I was deeply touched when the DM @SportArtsCultur told me abt the plight of artist in Kagiso, I couldn’t believe that they managed to keep this gallery open despite the many obstacles. It is truly a heartbreaking afternoon for me. pic.twitter.com/hGWkzE7Msn
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 7, 2024
“These artist has been treated with disdain despite the many young kids that they are mentoring and keeping off the streets. Children as young as 4-years old visit this gallery which is the second art gallery in the township,” McKenzie said.
I have instructed lawyers to pay over my first salary to this gallery and the money should be shared by this 3 tremendous artist. I sat with artist and listened to their many problems whilst waiting until the money is on their different accounts. I saw gratitude mixed with tears pic.twitter.com/ShqjAwuR5W
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 7, 2024
He added: “I dedicated my salary as a minister to the registered Joshlin Smith Foundation for missing children, the lawyers are in final stages of registering the foundation. Although I already received the first salary, which has not been paid over until finalisation of the foundation, I have instructed lawyers to pay over my first salary to this gallery and the money should be shared by these three tremendous artists.
“I sat with the artists and listened to their many problems whilst waiting until the money is on their different accounts. I saw gratitude mixed with tears.”
Last week, he pledged to donate 100% of his parliamentary salary to the Joshlin Smith Foundation for missing children.
According to IOL, McKenzie will earn R2.68 million annually from his ministerial position over his five-year term.
Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn, and Lourentia Lombaard have been charged with trafficking in persons for exploitation and kidnapping.
The State alleges that Joshlin was sold for R20 000.
“One hundred per cent of my salary I’m giving it to the Joshlin Smith Foundation for missing children for the duration of my stay in Parliament, 100% of my salary not 80% or 50%…Because I’m not here for money, I’m here to change the lives of our people,” the report quoted McKenzie as saying.
He emphasised his commitment to societal change, stating, “I’m not here for money; I’m here to change the lives of our people.”
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Picture: X/@GaytonMcK
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
