Parliament’s portfolio committee on sport, arts, and culture has decided to summon Minister Gayton McKenzie for not attending a scheduled meeting on Tuesday.
The committee had invited the National Arts Council (NAC), Downtown Music Hub (DTMH), and the department to discuss issues affecting these institutions.
The board and management of the NAC, as well as the management of DTMH, were present at the parliamentary meeting; however, McKenzie was absent.
From the outset, DA MP Liam Jacobs questioned the NAC board’s legitimacy, asking whether it was constitutionally constituted.
Engaging with a board that lacks legal recognition would be a waste of time, according to Jacobs.
ANC MP David Kgabo criticised McKenzie’s consistent unavailability.
“The president made the worst mistake by appointing McKenzie to this position. He clearly has no appetite for the job and lacks the necessary knowledge,” fumed Kgabo.
“He should have been here today, explaining how the NAC board was constituted, as it is highly questionable.
“He should also be answering questions regarding the MGE [Mzansi Golden Economy, whose purpose is to make strategic investments to optimise the economic benefit of the arts in South Africa].
“At the end of the day, he is accountable to us as the portfolio committee.”
ANC MPs express their unhappiness
Kgabo continued: “Right now, he is showing us the middle finger, as if he’s doing us a favour. Given his current behaviour, we need to summon him.
“He cannot expect officials to answer on his behalf; otherwise, it would be pointless to continue with this meeting.”
Another ANC MP, Matsholo Mmolotsane, echoed Kgabo’s concerns: “It can’t be right that he’s always unavailable when he needs to come and account. This is not the first time.
“If he continues like this, the portfolio committee will not approve the department’s budget. If we allow this to continue, it means we’re giving him free rein over the department’s budget. I concur that we should summon him.
The chairperson of the committee, Joe McGluwa, informed members that McKenzie was out of the country attending a BRICS meeting with other ministers.
He also indicated that McKenzie had, in fact, apologised for his absence.
Accordingly, McKenzie’s absence prevented the department, NAC, and DTMH from delivering their presentations.
There was also a unanimous decision to summon McKenzie.
