DA accuses Gayton McKenzie of crippling South Africa’s film and TV industry
· The South African
The Democratic Alliance has called for an urgent review of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Council, accusing Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie of allowing political considerations to influence appointments to a body responsible for South Africa’s film and television industry.
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In a statement issued on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, DA Cape Town Metro Regional Chair JP Smith said the country’s film sector was in a “critical condition”, pointing to delays in film incentives and funding payments that he said were damaging productions, investment and job creation.
Reduce red tape
JP Smith argued that government needed to reduce red tape and provide faster financial support as South Africa competes with other countries for international film investment.
“As government, we must cut red tape, find the necessary funding, and support the sector as much as possible,” Smith said.
However, the DA’s central concern is the composition of the NFVF Council.
Smith alleges that several council members have political, professional or personal links to figures within the Patriotic Alliance, the party led by McKenzie.
Among those named is Simon Carl Clarke, whom Smith describes as a former business partner of McKenzie and Kenny Kunene. Smith also highlights Clarke’s previous involvement with the National Arts Council and his role as chairperson of the Johannesburg Roads Agency.
The DA also raises questions about Omphemetse Mokgosi, alleging links to Patriotic Alliance head of media Bakang Lethoko and pointing to her previous positions on the National Arts Council and several Johannesburg municipal entities.
Smith further names Siphosethu Mthamzeli, alleging that she previously held a non-executive position at a City of Johannesburg entity under Kunene’s oversight and had a professional connection to Lethoko.
The statement also raises questions about Tony Ferreira, whom Smith says is a co-director in a company with Patriotic Alliance legal head Eugene Botha, as well as Andrea Gordon, whom Smith alleges is a family friend of Gayton McKenzie.
These are allegations made by the DA, and the claims regarding relationships, appointments and political connections would need to be independently verified.
DA refers alleged cadre deployment to Public Protector
JP Smith says the DA has already referred what it describes as alleged cadre deployment to the Public Protector, while the party intends to continue seeking answers about the appointment process.
He argues that the NFVF should be led by people with appropriate expertise and a commitment to developing the country’s film and television industry.
“I cannot sit idly by while a Council tasked with developing, funding, and promoting the South African film and television industry is hijacked,” Smith said.
The DA also drew comparisons with its criticism of the City of Johannesburg, arguing that individuals who previously served on municipal entities should not now be entrusted with safeguarding the country’s film sector if their appointments were politically motivated.
Film industry faces funding concerns
Beyond the council appointments, the DA says government must urgently address delays affecting film incentives and funding applications.
Smith warned that continued delays could cost South Africa valuable investment and employment opportunities as international productions look elsewhere.
“The industry needs action, not another round of government departments blaming one another while South African jobs and investment disappear,” he said.
The DA is calling on Gayton McKenzie to provide full transparency on the NFVF Council appointment process and to ensure that suitably qualified film and television industry specialists are appointed.
Smith concluded by saying urgent accountability was required to protect the country’s arts and film sectors.
“The Minister cannot continue to pass the buck while the industry he is responsible for protecting is allowed to decline,” he said.