Gayton McKenzie faces rising backlash over funding cuts to cultural festivals

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, is facing widespread criticism from various segments of the arts and culture industry after his department's decision to withdraw support from significant cultural festivals

- MASHUDU SADIKE

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, is facing widespread criticism from various segments of the arts and culture industry after his department's decision to withdraw support from significant cultural festivals and the perceived reduction in funding opportunities for organisations within the sector.

The move has plunged renowned events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the National Arts Festival, Suidoosterfees, KKNK, Woordfees, Innibos, Aardklop, and the Vrystaat Kunstefees into crisis, raising concerns about the future of South Africas cultural landscape.

President of the South African Roadies Association (SARA), Freddie Nyathela, a nonprofit training organisation providing technical and production skills training for youth, said they were dismayed by McKenzie’ decision.

“The current affairs are dire, with a rogue minister abusing public power, bullying, and disrespecting the arts and culture sector with impunity, at the expense of youth empowerment, job creation and transformation,’ Nyathela said.