Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has issued a formal clarification regarding recent media coverage around the Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) programme, stressing that no beneficiaries have received funding at this stage—only a preliminary list of applicants has been released.
Key Points:
- Clarification on Mzansi Golden Economy Funding Status: Minister Gayton McKenzie clarified that no funding has been allocated yet; only a preliminary list of applicants has been released to ensure transparency.
- Purpose of the Applicant List Release: The list was published to allow public review and objections, facilitating transparency before any contracts are awarded.
- Status of Applicants and Compliance Checks: Applicants are still undergoing compliance vetting and can be disqualified for issues such as tax non-compliance or undeclared conflicts of interest.
- Eligibility Criteria for Funding: Applications from government employees, non-South African entities, or previously non-compliant funded firms are automatically ineligible, according to regulations.
- Commitment to Fairness and Responsibility in Funding Distribution: Only vetted applicants will finalize contracts with DSAC, ensuring fairness, accountability, and public trust in the distribution of arts and culture funding.
Published on 24 July 2025, the updated statement explains that the list was released to promote transparency. It allows the public to raise objections and review applications before any contracts are awarded.
The media have inaccurately reported that some entities named on the list are already disqualified or deregistered. The statement responds by clarifying that applicants are still undergoing compliance vetting, and can be disqualified for issues such as tax non-compliance, undeclared conflicts of interest, or failure to disclose existing DSAC funding.
Furthermore, applications from government employees or public entities, non‑South African organisations, or firms with prior funding that failed reporting requirements, will automatically be ruled ineligible as per treasury and department regulations.
McKenzie stressed, “no funding will be released to anyone who is not fully compliant.” He also urged journalists to report responsibly, saying: “Try to at least get the facts straight first before sensationalising a process that is guided by policy and regulations”.
As the process moves forward, only fully vetted applicants will enter formal contracts with DSAC. The department’s goal is to ensure fairness, accountability and public trust in distributing public arts and culture funding.
