Statement by Leah Potgieter MP – DA Spokesperson on Sports, Arts and Culture:
The Democratic Alliance confirms that a formal complaint was submitted yesterday to the Public Protector against Minister Gayton McKenzie.
This complaint follows widespread media reports confirming that the Minister withdrew South Africa’s official submission to the 2026 Venice Biennale after a lawful, independent selection process had already been finalised.
The DA alleges that the Minister replaced a properly constituted institutional process with his own personal or political preference. Once such a process has been concluded, a minister does not have the authority to intervene simply because he disagrees with the outcome.
This decision has serious implications beyond a single exhibition. It risks creating a chilling effect on constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of opinion.
If a minister can retroactively overturn artistic decisions, then all future cultural work supported or facilitated by the State becomes vulnerable to political interference, regardless of viewpoint or ideology.
The DA has therefore asked the Public Protector to conduct a full investigation into whether the Minister’s conduct amounts to:
- Maladministration;
- An abuse or unjustifiable exercise of power; and
- An act or omission by a person performing a public function that resulted in unlawful or improper prejudice to others.
South Africa’s creative sector depends on clear rules, institutional independence and fair process. When political actors intervene after the fact, it undermines trust in public institutions and damages South Africa’s standing internationally.
Minister McKenzie’s actions make a mockery of South Africa’s constitutional commitment to freedom of expression, including the freedom of artistic creativity.
He swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, yet by censoring South Africa’s Venice Biennale submission our complaint alleges that he has violated that oath, breached his constitutional obligations and abused his ministerial powers.
He is not a law unto himself, and he would do well to remember that being in office is not a popularity contest, but a responsibility governed by law.
Essex
A baby was born in South Africa. The village was very poor, and the makeshift hospital didn\’t have some necessary equipment.. such as scales.
The father however, was desperate to know the newborn baby\’s weight. After quite a bit of asking around, the hospital\’s chairman came up with an idea.
\”Five miles west, there\’s a butcher shop. The owner deals with meat, he should have a rather precise scale. You could just put your baby on the meat scale, and the weight reading you\’ll get should be pretty accurate.\”
And so the father departed westward. After much walking, with his newborn child cardled safely in his arms, he finally arrived at the butcher shop. He explained his dilemma to the shop owner, to witch the latter replied:
\”Don\’t worry, friend. It\’s not even a problem, I\’ll check it for you, free of charge.\” And so he took the child to the back, where the scale was located.
The father heard rumbling noises, and some scraping.. About a minute later the butcher came back.
\”About three pounds boneless\” He said.
Palomino
Archeologists in South Africa have just discoved what they think is the oldest tampon ever found
They are trying to find out what period it came from.