South Africa’s creative sector and artists are mobilising for a major protest action today against Gayton McKenzie and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) following months of unresolved concerns regarding the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) funding program.
National March for Arts Sector Transparency
Representatives from multiple industry bodies including the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA), South African Music Industries Council (SAMIC), and several arts administration groups will lead demonstrators from the Union Buildings Park to DSAC headquarters on Madiba Street this morning.
Luzuko Khohli, CCIFSA national coordinator, emphasized this action stems from systemic communication failures:
“After numerous unanswered letters to Minister Gayton McKenzie between February and March, we’ve been left with no alternative but public demonstration. This isn’t political – it’s about securing the future of our cultural economy.”
ALSO READ: Tv Personality Minnie Dlamini Suing MacG Despite Recent Apology
Artists Share Core Concerns Driving the Protest
- Unreleased Funding Decisions: Most applicants who met the 10 January submission deadline remain uninformed about their MGE application status, while some received unexplained rejections
- Policy Reversals: Conflicting departmental communications about reconsidering existing applications versus requiring new submissions created widespread confusion
- Access Barriers: New requirements demanding proof of additional income disproportionately affect emerging artists and rural practitioners
Impact on Creative Professionals
The sector warns that these administrative failures jeopardize thousands of creative jobs and community projects that depend on MGE support. Many applicants invested significant resources developing proposals in good faith, only to face radio silence from DSAC officials.
“When government funding mechanisms lack transparency, it doesn’t just damage morale – it undermines South Africa’s entire cultural ecosystem,” stated a joint release from participating organizations. “We’re seeing talented practitioners abandon creative careers due to this uncertainty.”
ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs Prepare to Dismiss Nabi Following Season Finale Despite Trophy Win
Calls for Systemic Reform
Beyond immediate answers about the 2025 MGE allocations, organizers demand structural changes to DSAC’s funding processes, including:
- Clear timelines for application reviews and fund disbursement
- Inclusive policy development with sector representation
- Equitable access provisions for rural and informal artists
- Formal grievance procedures for funding disputes
The march represents one of the largest collective actions by South Africa’s arts community in recent years, reflecting growing frustration with bureaucratic obstacles facing cultural development.