{"id":36090,"date":"2026-08-12T14:46:17","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T14:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=36090"},"modified":"2026-08-12T14:46:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T14:46:17","slug":"da-blames-gayton-mckenzie-for-harming-south-africas-entertainment-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/da-blames-gayton-mckenzie-for-harming-south-africas-entertainment-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"DA Blames Gayton McKenzie for Harming South Africa’s Entertainment Sector"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Democratic Alliance<\/strong> is demanding a prompt evaluation of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Council<\/strong>, alleging that Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie<\/strong> has permitted political biases to sway appointments to a council that governs South Africa’s film and television sector.<\/p>\n

In a statement<\/a> released on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, DA Cape Town Metro Regional Chair JP Smith<\/strong> emphasized that the nation\u2019s film industry is in a \u201ccritical condition\u201d, citing delays in funding disbursements and film incentives as detrimental to production, investment, and job opportunities.<\/p>\n

Reduce red tape<\/strong><\/h2>\n

JP Smith contended that the government must alleviate bureaucratic hurdles and expedite financial assistance as South Africa strives to attract international film investments.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs government, we must cut red tape, find the necessary funding, and support the sector as much as possible,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, the DA\u2019s primary concern revolves around the makeup of the NFVF Council.<\/p>\n

Smith claims that multiple council members have connections\u2014whether political, professional, or personal\u2014to individuals within the Patriotic Alliance<\/strong>, the party chaired by McKenzie.<\/p>\n

Included among those mentioned is Simon Carl Clarke<\/strong>, characterized by Smith as a former collaborator of McKenzie and Kenny Kunene. Smith points out Clarke\u2019s past involvement with the National Arts Council and his position as chairperson of the Johannesburg Roads Agency.<\/p>\n

The DA also questions Omphemetse Mokgosi<\/strong>, alleging ties to Patriotic Alliance\u2019s media chief Bakang Lethoko while noting her former roles on the National Arts Council and various municipal entities in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Smith identifies Siphosethu Mthamzeli<\/strong>, claiming she previously occupied a non-executive role with a City of Johannesburg entity overseen by Kunene and had a professional association with Lethoko.<\/p>\n

The statement raises concerns regarding Tony Ferreira<\/strong>, whom Smith states is a co-director in a firm alongside Patriotic Alliance legal head Eugene Botha, and Andrea Gordon<\/strong>, whom he alleges to be a family associate of Gayton McKenzie.<\/p>\n

These allegations stem from the DA, and the assertions relating to connections, appointments, and political affiliations would need independent verification.<\/p>\n

DA refers alleged cadre deployment to Public Protector<\/strong><\/h3>\n

JP Smith stated that the DA has already brought what it refers to as alleged cadre deployment to the attention of the Public Protector<\/strong>, as the party continues to pursue clarity regarding the appointment procedures.<\/p>\n

He contended that the NFVF should be directed by individuals possessing requisite expertise and a dedication to nurturing the country\u2019s film and television industries.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot sit idly by while a Council tasked with developing, funding, and promoting the South African film and television industry is hijacked,\u201d Smith said.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the DA compared this issue with its previous criticisms aimed at the City of Johannesburg, arguing that those who have previously been affiliated with municipal entities should not be entrusted with protecting the nation’s film industry if their appointments have political underpinnings.<\/p>\n

Film industry faces funding concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In addition to the council appointments, the DA emphasizes the necessity for the government to promptly address delays that plague film incentives and funding proposals.<\/p>\n

Smith cautioned that ongoing delays could result in South Africa missing out on critical investment and job prospects as international productions consider alternatives.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe industry needs action, not another round of government departments blaming one another while South African jobs and investment disappear,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The DA demands that Gayton McKenzie ensure complete transparency in the NFVF Council appointment process and that appropriately qualified film and television professionals are selected.<\/p>\n

Smith concluded by calling for immediate accountability to safeguard the country’s arts and film sectors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Minister cannot continue to pass the buck while the industry he is responsible for protecting is allowed to decline,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n