Kenny Kunene, the deputy leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has publicly defended Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie’s decision to publish a list of artists who received financial relief from the government during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The list, which was made public on Wednesday, revealed that over R72 million was paid out to more than 3,000 creatives between 2020 and 2021.
McKenzie’s move to publish the list has been met with criticism from various political parties, who argue that it was unnecessary and potentially harmful to the individuals named.
However, Kunene disagrees, stating that McKenzie’s actions demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
During a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, Kunene expressed his support for McKenzie’s decision, saying: “We support Minister Gayton McKenzie for being transparent and we call upon him to continue publishing the lists so that South Africans can be able to see who was supported.”
Kunene’s defense of McKenzie’s actions emphasizes the importance of transparency in government and the use of public funds. By publishing the list, McKenzie has provided clarity on how the relief funding was allocated and who benefited from it.
This level of transparency is essential for building trust in government and ensuring that public funds are being used effectively.
In contrast, critics of McKenzie’s decision argue that the publication of the list could have negative consequences for the individuals named, potentially impacting their privacy and reputation. However, Kunene’s stance suggests that the benefits of transparency outweigh these concerns.
Overall, the debate surrounding McKenzie’s decision highlights the tension between transparency and privacy in the use of public funds. While some argue that the publication of the list was unnecessary and potentially harmful, others see it as a necessary step towards accountability and transparency in government.