Gatvol artists to march to Minister Gayton Mckenzie’s offices over ‘unresolved’ issues

By Edward Tsumele

A section of the South African artists unhappy with several issues are going to march on Wednesday May 14, 2025, in Pretoria, taking their issues to the door of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Minister Gayton McKenzie.

It has emerged that even though the Minister on various occasions has pronounced that he is reorganising the sector into sector councils that the Minister argues will change the game for the better, various organisations representing a portion of the creative sector argues instead that not everything is cool about the current situation.

And they have in fact brought those issues to DSAC to address without success, the artist allege. As a result, they have therefore resorted to staging the march on May 14, 2025, to highlight several issues they are not happy with and drive the point o0f their unhappiness home. Some of these issues have emerged during the current Minister’s current term of office, while others are historical, predating Mckenzie’s arrival at Sechaba House, 202 Madiba Street.

“The broader South African cultural and creative industries, represented by independent artists and various national organizations, hereby invites members of the media to cover an important event – the Cultural and Creative Industries March, taking place on May 14, 2025. This march symbolizes a pivotal moment for practitioners within the Cultural and Creative Industries, as we unite to demand accountability and transparency from Minister Gayton Mckenzie and the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture.

This action comes after numerous unheeded attempts to engage with the Department regarding the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) funding initiative, as well as several unanswered letters addressed to Minister Gayton Mckenzie between February and March 2025,” the various organisations represented in this march issued a statement ahead of the march.

Freddie Nyathela the President of the South African Roadies’ Association, (SARA) which from last year has locked horns with the Minister and DSAC over several issues related to SARA’s projects said that his organisation supports the march.

“The minister lacks appreciation and respect for the creative sector, let alone youth empowerment and employment opportunities. It is unfortunate that the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture is mum and turning a blind eye,” said Nyathela.

Sibongile Mngoma, who in 2021 along with other gatvol artists staged a sit in at the National Arts Council’s offices in Newtown in relation to how the arts funding body handled funds set aside by Treasury to assist artists navigate the world pandemic, Covid-19 yesterday said that she was also supportive of the march.

“I will be attending the march of artists on May 14 against non-declaration of MGE funding results and exclusion of artists,” the soprano said.

The participating artists have highlighted the following as the overview of the issues they want addressed, which the allege the department has not attended to so far.

.Failure to Release Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Results

Artists who submitted applications for MGE funding, which closed on 10th January 2025, are mired in frustration and uncertainty. While a select few have been notified of their funding outcomes, the majority received abrupt cancellations of their applications without explanations. This erratic decision-making process has diminished morale among the artistic community and jeopardizes the job creation potential that MGE funding represents.

.Unilateral Cancellation of Calls

The Department of Sport, Arts & Culture’s decision to cancel MGE calls for applications without

proper communication highlights a blatant disregard for the voices of artists. This pattern

undermines the constructive engagements needed for the arts sector to thrive.

.Restricted Application Process

The requirement for artists to submit their applications at specific physical locations within each province has alienated many artists, particularly those residing far from these sites. The absence of an online submission option effectively excluded a significant portion of the artists community from accessing much-needed funding.

. Confusing Communication from the Department

There was widespread confusion regarding whether previous applicants should reapply. A media statement released by the Department on 7th March 2025 stated that past submissions would be considered, while subsequent guidelines released on 20th March contradicted that by requiring all applicants to resubmit. Such inconsistency has eroded trust in the funding process.

. Discriminatory Requirements

The requirement to submit both NPC and NPO certificates, without any policy supporting the misinformed decision which led to the unfair rejection of deserving applicants.

The insistence that artists provide proof of additional income in funding applications is inherently discriminatory and should have been abolished to ensure equitable opportunities.

Call to Action

“We proudly urge all South African artists, the youth, emerging talents, older artists, famous and non-famous to join this march and stand for justice and respect within our sector. No minister should unilaterally impose decisions upon artists without their input. This march embodies our collective cry for inclusion in the decision-making processes that affect us.

As key members of the media, your coverage is vital in amplifying our message and ensuring that our voices are heard. We encourage you to join us in this demonstration of solidarity and strength, capturing the essence of our fight for the rights of artists.

We look forward to your presence at this significant event as we stand united for the future of our arts,” the artists further said.

March Details

• Date: Wednesday, 14th May 2025

• Assembly Point: Union Building Park, Pretoria

• Destination: Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, Madiba Street, Pretoria

• Time: 08:00

The cultural and creative industries practitioners firmly believe that under Minister Gayton Mckenzie, the

Department of Sport, Arts & Culture has adopted an oppressive and exclusive regime, undermining the rights

and opportunities of South African artists. This dire situation necessitates immediate attention and action. community.