Public funding controversy: McKenzie prioritises LIV Golf over cultural festivals

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s decision to invest in hosting a LIV Golf tournament has been described as an abuse of public power. Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s controversial decision to prioritise funding for the LIV Golf tournament while simultaneously withdrawing financial support from some of South Africa’s largest and most established cultural festivals has sparked accusations of abusing public power and misusing public funds. McKenzie, who pushed for LIV Golf to debut in South Africa this month,confirmed its return in 2027.

The event will be back from April 22 to 25 next year at The Club at Steyn City, with ambitions to grow it even further after 100 000 attended last week’s tournament. He said the event capacity would be targeted at up to 250 000 spectators for the 2027 edition. McKenzie also stated that the event is aimed at bringing global attention to South Africa and boosting the local economy, claiming it will generate between R700 million and R800m in economic impact and eventually bring billions into the country. However, the South African Roadies Association (Sara) has criticised McKenzie, saying he has turned the Sports, Arts and Culture Department into his “fiefdom”.