The Democratic Alliance has written to the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, asking that Minister Gayton McKenzie and the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) adjudication panel appear before Parliament, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The DA says the move follows allegations that MGE funds were used to benefit political allies at the expense of established festivals and artists. (Democratic Alliance)
Leah Potgieter, the DA spokesperson on sport, arts and culture, told reporters that long-standing festivals, including the National Arts Festival, KKNK, Woordfees, Suidoosterfees and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, were stripped of prior funding and directed to apply to the MGE fund.
The Mzansi Golden Economy programme has significant funding, with the GCIS records stating that R1.4 billion over the medium term is allocated to the subprogramme.
The DA says many of those festival applications were rejected, while events linked to the Patriotic Alliance received support.
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The party also accuses the department of poor governance in appointing the MGE adjudication panel. According to the DA, several panel members hold active political roles and the department admitted that no conflict-of-interest vetting took place before appointments were made.
The DA believes these actions conflict with the King IV Code on Corporate Governance and public service regulations and demands full disclosure of MGE allocations.
Potgieter says she submitted written parliamentary questions on 17 September seeking documents and explanations, but Minister Gayton McKenzie has not replied within the required period.
The DA has asked the committee to summon the minister and panel to restore transparency and accountability in the distribution of public funds.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images
