Cape Town – Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended his absence from recent portfolio committee meetings, saying he was on an official BRICS-related visit to Brazil.
Responding on social media, McKenzie denied avoiding accountability and said that he met with ministers from various countries to finalise collaborative plans.
“I never run away from accountability,” wrote the minister on Facebook.
“All the Ministers of BRICS meet once a year to agree on the work, plans & collaboration that governs our partnership.
Every single week there is a Portfolio Committee meeting, I have instructed my whole executive team to attend the Portfolio Committee meeting whilst I meet the Ministers from UAE, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, China, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt & India.
“We agreed on the way forward and signed the document and also held bilaterals with some Ministers.
He assured the public he would appear before the committee on June 10.
“I shall appear on the 10th of June to answer whichever allegations or correction but I could simply not miss this meeting. Let’s not play politics by characterising me as running away from answering any questions.”
According to IOL, his absence has drawn criticism, particularly for missing a SAFA briefing where financial and governance issues were discussed, and SAFA President Danny Jordaan was questioned about his leadership.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
