‘I will not take this abuse’ — Gayton explodes over funeral drama

Cape Town – Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has defended his role in the funeral arrangements of veteran actress Nandi Nyembe, saying he went out of his way to support her family during their time of grief.

McKenzie has faced criticism, with some accusing him of ignoring the actress’s earlier plea for help in a viral video. He has dismissed the claims.

“I will not take this abuse,” McKenzie said in a statement shared on social media, responding to backlash from fellow artists.

Nyembe passed away over the weekend, and her funeral is scheduled for this week. Her cause of death has not been disclosed.

McKenzie said that upon learning of Nyembe’s struggles before her death, he sent her R20,000 for food and medication. After her passing, he immediately flew from Cape Town to visit the family.

“The daughter told me that she is worried about the body of her mom at mortuary. I immediately made calls and the body was removed to the funeral parlour,” he explained.

He added that he gave the family R10,000 to cater for visitors, offered his driver to transport them, and assigned another member of his team with funeral experience to assist daily.

The minister also noted that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) is covering the full costs of Nyembe’s funeral and providing venues for the proceedings.

McKenzie expressed frustration with what he described as opportunism from some in the arts sector. “I now see some artist that was nowhere to be seen when help was needed are now everywhere where there is cameras lambasting me and telling lies,” he said.

Highlighting his broader efforts to support struggling creatives, McKenzie said he had recently stepped in to assist renowned actor Glen Gabela.

“I dispatched a team to go help with painting and renovations, I got a list of furniture needed, I ordered it and it will be delivered when painting is done. I also send him 10 thousand rand for groceries,” he said.

According to McKenzie, his department is working on long-term measures to secure the welfare of artists, including funeral cover, hospital care, and policy payouts for dependents. He also confirmed progress on reforms to the Copyright Amendment Bill and talks with TikTok for fair compensation to creators.

“You can try to paint me as uncaring but I am not the type of person who can walk away from a dire situation doing nothing whilst I have a few coins to assist,” McKenzie said.