Gayton: I will not take this abuse

MINISTER of Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has come under fire from the industry following the death of actress Nandi Nyembe.

Her passing once again highlighted the significant structural failings within the country’s entertainment industry. 

Nyembe passed away last weekend at the age of 75, just four months after she publicly appealed for financial support.

At her memorial service, actress Lerato Mvelase, who was one of the programme directors, had sharp words for the department’s deputy director, Sibusiso Tsanyane.

“I know this is not a space where political issues should be addressed, but there is something I need to say,” said Mvelase.

“Mr Sibusiso, I urge you to let the minister know that going forward, artists will no longer allow the department to come and celebrate with us. It is not a fight with the department, it is a fight with the system which has been putting actors down for our whole lives,” she said.

Taking to social media, McKenzie clapped back, wysing that he will not take the abuse and detailing all the efforts he has made to help Nyembe’s family.

He wrote: "I will not take this abuse..." “Without the children asking, I gave them 10 thousand rand for cake and tea for the many visitors. I also made my driver available to drive the family everywhere they wish to go during this difficult week. I also made another member of my team available with lots of knowledge of funerals to assist them every day,” he wrote.

McKenzie added that soon there will be funeral cover, hospital care and policy payouts, and there have been changes made to the Copyright Amendment Bill and they have engaged TikTok for fair compensation for all.