Cape Town – Minister Gayton McKenzie has pledged to root out corruption within the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
McKenzie recently halted government-funded “super fans” trips and criticised nepotism and favoritism in departmental appointments and funding allocations.
The minister, known for his outspoken approach, aims to overhaul the ministry.
He promised to dismiss corrupt individuals while supporting ethical practices.
“We have majority good people working @SportArtsCultur , we have a corrupt few mafias but we also have those that got intimidated by those creatives who invoke the names of politicians to demand funding.
We have majority good people working @SportArtsCultur , we have a corrupt few mafias but we also have those that got intimidated by those creatives who invoke the names of politicians to demand funding. I will fire the corrupt ones and protect the good ones, we will make SA proud https://t.co/Sm8u2p6bYt
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 10, 2024
“I will fire the corrupt ones and protect the good ones, we will make SA proud,” said McKenzie in an X post.
The Patriotic Alliance leader also expressed significant concern about nepotism within his department.
“@SportArtsCultur has a panel of Super fans, how is it that it is the same people being selected always ? The same is happening in funding and in allocation of tenders.
“The same beneficiaries everywhere. I can never allow this to continue without clear answers as to why.”
@SportArtsCultur has a panel of Super fans, how is it that it is the same people being selected always ? The same is happening in funding and in allocation of tenders. The same beneficiaries everywhere. I can never allow this to continue without clear answers as to why
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 10, 2024
On Tuesday, he took to X and announced that the department would no longer fund “superfans”.
“I have stopped all trips for superfans. We have athletes and artists who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions. How do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it’s needed the most,” he said.
I have stopped all trips for super fans, we have athletes & artist who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions, how do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it’s needed the most.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
“If you did nothing wrong or didn’t benefit untowardly you have no reason to fear. I have given a clear instruction that the public be made aware of the people that got funding, today! I was shocked when I realised how many complaining artists are receiving money from DSAC (Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture),” McKenzie said in another post.
If you did nothing wrong or didn’t benefit untowardly you have no reason to fear, I have given a clear instruction that the public be made aware of the people that got funding, today! I was shocked when I realised how many complaining artist are receiving money from DSAC.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
Many South Africans remember “Mama Joy” who attended the Rugby World Cup in 2023 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024 and was painted as South Africa’s biggest sports fan. Reportedly, Mama Joy and Botha Msila’s trip to the Rugby World Cup in France last year cost the department R1.3 million, TimesLIVE reported.
The department said previously that superfans were not paid salaries to attend games but their accommodation and travel expenses were paid. Litha Mpondwana, the department spokesperson, said the World Cup was the first time the department paid for a supporters’ trip.
These fans are always seen in cultural clothing and baring affectionate smiles at many international sporting events including rugby, football, and cricket.
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