SA: Gayton McKenzie appointed arts minister

McKenzie’s new job follows a cabinet announcement by Ramaphosa, who was re-elected as the country’s president following a landmark coalition deal between the governing African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties. The new government was formed as a result of a combination of the ANC, the Democratic Alliance and smaller parties.

McKenzie – a publisher, businessman and convicted criminal, who was previously jailed for robbery for 17 years – will be deputised by the ANC’s Peace Mabe, who holds a bachelor’s degree and an honours degree in public administration. McKenzie took over from Zizi Kodwa who resigned in June over allegations of corruption. Prior to his appointment, McKenzie had issued an ultimatum, threatening to withdraw his party’s support from the government of national unity if his party did not receive a cabinet position.

“On a serious but deeply personal note, I sincerely hope that my appointment as a minister or my other achievements despite my past, despite the many insults, despite the many that tried to block my rise, should show you that your destiny is in the hands of God,” McKenzie wrote on social media following the appointment. “

Creatives have reacted to McKenzie's appointment by offering congratulations and also reminding him of the pressing issues and challenges that need to be addressed within the department. 

Renowned arts critic and musician Sibongile Mngoma penned an open letter to McKenzie, urging him to tackle pressing issues in the arts sector, including policy and legislative reforms, as well as alleged criminal activities perpetuated through the Department of Arts, Sports, and Culture at both provincial and national levels.

Part of the letter reads: “Congratulations on your appointment as minister of sports, arts and culture. Our President has turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to our concerns since his appointment. We have seen how he doesn't care about our people on the ground. We are here to build. If you want to build with us, we will build with you. Do not disappoint us by minimising us like your predecessors have done.”

Artscape Theatre CEO Marlene Le Roux wrote on social media: “On behalf of the council and staff of Artscape, I would like to congratulate Gayton McKenzie on his appointment as minister of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. This portfolio plays such an important role in ensuring social cohesion and I believe that through the promotion of the performing arts under his leadership, we can make a significant change in the country.”

Photographer and sound engineer Tshidiso Monametsi wrote: “We all don’t know what Gayton McKenzie is planning and as an industry we must support him so that we have a Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) that we will be a part of and have pride in. This is the time we need a real arts federation that will do what's best for the creative industries of our country.”

DSAC has for some time been plagued by corruption allegations, with officials facing accusations of fund misappropriation. Former minister Nathi Mthethwa, who headed the department for five years, was at the centre of corruption allegations, leading to calls for his resignation. Specifically, he was accused of mishandling the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) funds, which were administered by the controversial former CEO of the National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC) Rosemary Mangope. This led to artist protests and a sit-in at NAC, citing corruption and a lack of transparency in the allocation of the funds. Additionally, Mthethwa faced criticism for his plans to build a R22m monument flag and for establishing the National Philharmonic Orchestra without following proper procedures.

The new minister faces the challenge of breaking away from the legacy of his predecessors and bringing much-needed reform and stability to the department, which has been marred by corruption and mismanagement. It remains to be seen if he will be able to rise to the occasion and restore integrity and transparency to the department.

Meanwhile, McKenzie has extended congratulations to South African music stars Tyla and Makhadzi on their wins at the BET Awards. “Things are happening already, congratulations. We want to assure South Africans that we will not be a ministry that will be content with congratulating artists and creatives only, but we will go out and unearth more Tylas and Makhadzis. Help us find more future superstars.”