McKenzie is in govt to ensure sporting fraternity is taken seriously, says Kunene
Earlier this week, PA leader Gayton McKenzie received widespread backlash after ordering the department to publish the list of artists it funded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
FILE: PA leader Gayton McKenzie. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Patriotic Alliance deputy leader, Kenny Kunene, has hit back at critics who believe newly appointed sports minister Gayton McKenzie is too clumsy for the position.
Earlier this week, McKenzie received widespread backlash after ordering the department to publish the list of artists it funded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mckenzie has, however, defended his decision to publish the list - claiming it’s a measure to end the department’s irregular use of state funds.
Some political parties including the Economic Freedom Fighters have slammed Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie - saying his excessive excitement is a cause for concern.
ALSO READ: PA’s Kunene defends McKenzie after publishing list of artists who received COVID-19 relief package
However, Kunene says McKenzie’s enthusiasm is what has been missing in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet.
“The excitement is because he loves his job. It’s because he understands what is at stake. It’s because he has been complaining about sportsmen and women not being taken seriously.”
McKenzie started his term in the Sport, Arts and Culture ministry by revealing the names of artists who had received funding from the department.
He also put an end to the department sponsoring trips for superfans to attend sporting events around the world.