EFF statement on the victimization of Makhadzi by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture
10 July 2024
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns the recent actions taken by the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture under the leadership of Minister Gayton McKenzie, which have unjustly victimised the talented and hardworking artist Makhadzi.
This situation arose from a promise made by the Minister, in his eagerness to appease public sentiment, to cease what he termed the "wasting" of money on official supporters.
When the department faced backlash over this promise, questions were raised about their lack of support for Makhadzi's trip to the United States of America to receive her BET Award for Best New International Act, where she represented South Africa with distinction.
Instead of addressing their stance on official supporters, the department chose to deflect by disclosing the amounts of money they paid to Makhadzi for her performances and appearances. This attempt to portray these payments as a form of support is both disingenuous and reprehensible.