DEAR MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE

OPEN LETTER TO MINISTER GAYTON McKENZIE

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture

20 May 2026

Dear Minister Gayton McKenzie,

I write this open letter following the recent Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) media briefing where several critical questions affecting the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) sector were raised by myself on behalf of The Creative Passport Online Media Publication.

These questions were not merely for clarity, but reflected the growing concerns, frustrations and anxieties within the sector regarding governance, transparency, labour stability and institutional accountability.

The following questions were posed during the briefing:

1. What is the latest update on the National Arts Council (NAC) staff strike, and what resolutions have been reached?

2. Is the Minister concerned about the recent artists’ march at the Playhouse Company in KwaZulu-Natal, and what is being done about the institution’s well-being?

3. Why did DSAC not publicly disclose the amounts allocated to each Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) beneficiary, and how was vetting conducted to ensure funded companies have proven industry experience?

4. Following the CCIFSA forensic investigation, what measures are in place to prevent corruption and governance failures from being repeated within the 17 CCI sector clusters?

Minister, during the briefing, you committed publicly that by Monday, 18 May 2026, DSAC would publish the full Mzansi Golden Economy beneficiary list together with the allocated funding amounts. As of today, 20 May 2026, no such publication has been made available by the Department.

This delay has unfortunately intensified concerns around transparency, accountability and public trust in how public arts funding is distributed.

Furthermore, during the briefing, you stated that instructions had been issued to the National Arts Council Board regarding matters linked to the ongoing staff strike. However, according to information received from NAC staff members who participated in the strike, no formal communication or notification has yet been provided regarding those ministerial instructions or the way forward.

This raises serious concerns about communication breakdowns between the Ministry, the NAC Board and affected employees.

Minister, the arts and culture sector is currently experiencing deep uncertainty. Public institutions such as the NAC remain important pillars for artists, administrators, technical workers and communities who depend on them for both economic survival and cultural development.

The sector therefore seeks clarity and leadership on the following urgent matters:

• When will DSAC officially publish the complete MGE beneficiary list with funding amounts?

• What concrete actions have been taken regarding the NAC staff strike and engagement with workers?

The creative sector deserves transparent communication, ethical governance and accountable leadership. These issues affect not only institutions, but also the livelihoods and dignity of thousands of creatives across South Africa.

I trust that the Ministry will provide the sector with the necessary updates and clarity.

Yours truly,

Thami akaMbongo Manzana
The Creative Passport Online Media Publication

The Creative Passport is an independent platform focused on Arts, Culture and the Creative Industries. Readers are encouraged to follow, comment and engage constructively.

HOW TO FOLLOW THE CREATIVE PASSPORT

RECEIVE POSTS BY EMAILS