Public funding controversy: McKenzie prioritises LIV Golf over cultural festivals
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie's decision to invest in hosting a LIV Golf tournament has been described as an abuse of public power.
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Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s controversial decision to prioritise funding for the LIV Golf tournament while simultaneously withdrawing financial support from some of South Africa's largest and most established cultural festivals has sparked accusations of abusing public power and misusing public funds.
McKenzie, who pushed for LIV Golf to debut in South Africa this month, confirmed its return in 2027.
The event will be back from April 22 to 25 next year at The Club at Steyn City, with ambitions to grow it even further after 100 000 attended last week's tournament.
He said the event capacity would be targeted at up to 250 000 spectators for the 2027 edition.
McKenzie also stated that the event is aimed at bringing global attention to South Africa and boosting the local economy, claiming it will generate between R700 million and R800m in economic impact and eventually bring billions into the country.
However, the South African Roadies Association (Sara) has criticised McKenzie, saying he has turned the Sports, Arts and Culture Department into his “fiefdom”.
Sara has repeatedly complained about McKenzie’s decision to withdraw or withhold funding from the organisation and the broader arts sector.
Since 2025, McKenzie has faced significant criticism for altering funding structures, which has led to reduced or withdrawn direct funding for several of the country's major, established cultural festivals.
Major festivals, including the National Arts Festival, Suidoosterfees, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK), Woordfees, Innibos, Aardklop, Cape Town Carnival, and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, have faced financial strain after being denied traditional funding.
According to reports, these festivals were told to apply through the Department's Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) grant system, with many applications being rejected or receiving no funding for 2025.
While cutting local festival support, McKenzie has heavily promoted bringing LIV Golf to South Africa.
“The Minister is grandstanding and has turned the department into his own private company or fiefdom. He is abusing public power and public funds at the expense of youth empowerment, job creation, and arts development,” said Sara's president, Freddie Nyathela.
However, McKenzie said the event attracts top-tier international athletes, extensive global media coverage and high-value visitors, which makes it a high-impact opportunity when compared to smaller or more localised events.
McKenzie and Sara have been in an ongoing dispute since July 2024, following allegations of sabotaged funding and public slander.
This was after Sara accused McKenzie and his department of intentionally blocking R43 million in funding committed for the 2024/25 financial year.
Nyathela lodged complaints with the Public Protector, alleging that the department's Director-General lied to Parliament by claiming SARA was non-compliant and failed to account for previous funds.
The United Society in Action (UCSA) said while it has no problem with McKenzie supporting various sporting events as part of his mandate within his portfolio, UCSA 'continues to be disgusted by his blatant disregard for our cultural and creative industry of our beautiful country'.
MK Party member of Parliament, Gift Motaung, who is a member of the Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, said that although events like LIV Golf also position South Africa as a global sporting destination, which can lead to longer-term investment and partnerships, this approach often raises concerns about balance.