The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), Gayton McKenzie.
The party stated that the minister is undermining public office by “treating it like his kingdom”.
According to the MK Party, McKenzie’s actions affect the spirit of sports and culture.
They also highlighted that his decisions show utter disrespect to the young fighting to escape poverty through talent.
“What Mckenzie has done is sabotage. Sabotage of grassroots development, sabotage of constitutional obligations and sabotage of the dreams of ordinary South Africans.
“His actions do not uplift the poor, they abandon them. They are not reform, they are vandalism,” the party stated.
The party claimed that McKenzie’s actions did more harm than good for the poor, effectively abandoning them.
In relations to alleged to misusing of public funds within DSAC, recent media reports revealed that National Federations have received cut in funding notifications from the department.
McKenzie’s R800 000 Olympics trip investigation.
McKenzie is under investigation by the Public Protector, following the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) complaint about the Minister’s R800 000 Paris Olympics trip.
On 16 October 2024, the EFF reported in a statement that they had referred McKenzie to the Ethics Committee for the misuse of state funds.
The EFF also pointed out that the minister lied about funds spent, but later admitted to misusing taxpayer’s money.
MK Party blames GNU parties for ‘protecting incompetence’
Additionally, the MK party mentioned that McKenzie is comfortable in his acts of impunity because he knows the Government of National Unity (GNU) will protect him.
“This so-called GNU has made a sport out of protecting incompetence, defending ministers who fail and insulating the elites from accountability,” MK Party added.
The MK Party branded the GNU as a cartel of mediocrity that is presiding over destructive processes within sports and culture.
Moreover, the party called for an immediate investigation by the Joint Committee and Member’s interest into McKenzie’s actions.
They also suggested a public address by the president, providing clarity on what they regard as “protecting incompetence” allegedly by the GNU.
Do you think it is fair to hold government officials accountable for funds misused on their work related trips?
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