Golf vs arts in funding row

MCKENZIE UNDER FIRE

- MANYANE MANYANE

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzies decision to invest in hosting the LIV Golf tournament while simultaneously withdrawing funding from some of the largest and most established cultural festivals, has been described as an abuse of public power and public funds.

McKenzie, who pushed for LIV Golf to debut in South Africa this month, confirmed its return in 2027.

The event will be back from April 22 to 25 next year at The Club at Steyn City, with ambitions to grow it even further after 100000 attended last week’s tournament.

He said the event capacity would be targeted at up to 250 000 spectators for the 2027 edition.

McKenzie also stated that the event is aimed at bringing global attention to South Africa and boosting the local economy, claiming it will generate between R700 million and R800m in economic impact and eventually bring billions into the country.

However, the South African Roadies Association (Sara) has criticised McKenzie, saying he has turned the Sports, Arts and Culture Department into his “fiefdom”.