McKenzie Faces Backlash Over Cuts to South African Cultural Festivals

South Africa’s arts and culture landscape is bracing for upheaval as Minister Gayton McKenzie faces mounting criticism over the withdrawal of government support for iconic cultural festivals. Events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, National Arts Festival, Suidoosterfees, KKNK, Woordfees, Innibos, Aardklop, and Vrystaat Kunstefees now face uncertainty, leaving organisers and artists scrambling for alternative funding.

Youth and Industry Groups Cry Foul

The South African Roadies Association (SARA), a non-profit training young technicians for live events, expressed alarm at McKenzie’s decision. President Freddie Nyathela described the move as an abuse of public power, saying:

“The minister is disrespecting the arts and culture sector with impunity, at the expense of youth empowerment, job creation and transformation.”

Nyathela also flagged the alleged sabotage of the Backstage Academy South Africa, a project designed to train African youth in technical live-event skills, critical for growing the country’s creative and entertainment sectors.

Confusion and Concern Across the Acting Community

The South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), represented by chairperson Jack Devnarain, echoed the sector’s alarm.

“Funding opportunities are being limited, subsidies are being shut down, and we have no insight into the reasoning behind these decisions. Many organisations reliant on government support cannot sustain themselves without these funds,” Devnarain said.

He called for urgent, ongoing engagement with the minister, warning that failure to act could force the sector to take the matter to parliamentary portfolio committees.

Political Overtones and Financial Controversy

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has joined the chorus of criticism. Spokesperson Leah Potgieter MP accused McKenzie of turning the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture into a tool for political patronage, neglecting both artists and athletes.

The DA claims that R82 million was diverted from sports federations to fund Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, allegedly crippling grassroots sport. Potgieter described the decision as being made “without transparency, without proper authority, and at the direct expense of communities and young people.”

“The withdrawal of support from flagship cultural festivals the backbone of our cultural economy is unacceptable. These events sustain thousands of jobs and bring in billions to local economies, yet the minister is channeling funds to projects serving his own political agenda,” she said.

The party is demanding full disclosure of all Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) allocations, reinstatement of funding for proven festivals, and an independent adjudication process for future funding decisions.

Public Reaction: Social Media Outcry

Arts practitioners, performers, and festival-goers have taken to social media to express frustration. Tweets and posts echo themes of betrayal, confusion, and fear for the future of the sector, with hashtags such as #SaveOurFestivals and #ArtsUnderAttack trending within South African creative circles. Many lament the potential loss of youth development opportunities and the financial hit to the local economy.

A Sector at a Crossroads

With McKenzie yet to respond publicly his spokesperson Stacey-Lee Khojane did not answer media inquiries the arts sector is left in limbo. The situation underscores a broader tension between politics, funding, and cultural sustainability in South Africa.

Industry leaders warn that without immediate dialogue, festival organisers, artists, and young creatives could face severe setbacks, eroding years of progress in youth empowerment, job creation, and Africa-first cultural innovation.

“We need clarity, transparency, and collaboration. Otherwise, the future of South African arts and culture is at serious risk,” Devnarain added.

The unfolding controversy is not just about money, it’s about the survival of South Africa’s cultural identity, the livelihoods of thousands, and the nurturing of the next generation of creative talent.

{Source: IOL}

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