The newly appointed sports minister, Gayton McKenzie has many people on their toes with his recent promise to publicise names of artists, creatives and sports stars who have been receiving funds from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Recently, Gayton took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to let it be known that his department will publicly name those who have benefitted from this department and the amounts they have received. In his post, he said he had been instructed to do so and state the reasons. Gayton assured that the time when only a selected few benefits is over.
I have given an instruction that a list be published of all Artist, Creatives & Sports people who have been receiving money from the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture be published inclusive of amounts & reasons. The time where only a select connected few benefit is over.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 8, 2024
With reactions from his previous post, and X users calling out names of people they think will make it to the list, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader followed up with another post; where he said he was shocked when he saw how many complaining artists are benefiting from the department.
If you did nothing wrong or didn’t benefit untowardly you have no reason to fear, I have given a clear instruction that the public be made aware of the people that got funding, today! I was shocked when I realised how many complaining artist are receiving money from DSAC.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
In his latest post, he concluded by saying his department has stopped paying trips for super fans, and the funds will be used where they are needed.
I have stopped all trips for super fans, we have athletes & artist who are struggling to raise money to attend sporting events and exhibitions, how do we justify paying for fans? We shall no longer be paying for these trips and will use that money where it’s needed the most.
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 9, 2024
X users took to the comment section to weigh in, with most of them thinking of Mama Joy:
Mama Joy right now pic.twitter.com/26maLvULk6
— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) July 9, 2024
Another one said,
Mama Joy wa batho. She was so happy for you not knowing that’s the end of her free meals. ?
— FIFACWC Participant (@MSFC__) July 9, 2024
Also see: Trying to get into the good books? Mama Joy ecstatic about Gayton’s appointment
