Minister Gayton Mckenzie issues public apology to Olympic athletes for lack of support

by Nomonde Simelane

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed his sincere apologies to South African athletes who have experienced challenges due to the lack of support from the department.

This comes after South African track and field athlete Jo-Anne Van Dyk competed in the javelin throw and won a silver medal at the Olympics and thereafter revealed that she did so without much support from the department. TimesLive reported that the athlete revealed that a majority of the support she received was from her parents.

When asked about her journey to such a momentous achievement she said, “So difficult.”

“I have been supported by my parents because they also believed in me and they believed in the passion that I have,” she said. “It was quite difficult, she continued. It’s difficult when everybody else is moving on with their lives and earning salaries and I’m just here, just trying and still trying.”

The newly appointed minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to convey his dissatisfaction and disappointment in the department for their lack of support. He continues to promise that things will not proceed in that manner under his leadership.

“This nonsense will not happen under my watch. I wanna profusely apologise to all the athletes that experienced the same,” the minister said.

Since his appointment, Minister Gayton McKenzie has ensured to reiterate that the athletes and artists are the department’s main priority. He has also been able to build trust from the public in the short space of time he has occupied the office.

Also see: Gayton McKenzie stays true to his promise of becoming fit by completing 5km Mandela Day run