DA Refers NFVF Council Appointments by Minister McKenzie to Public Protector

• The Democratic Alliance referred alleged cadre deployment within the National Film and Video Foundation Council to the Public Protector
• DA's JP Smith accused Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie of prioritising political ties over industry expertise in council appointments
• Several NFVF appointees were named as having alleged links to McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance, including a former business partner

SOUTH AFRICA — The Democratic Alliance has escalated its concerns over appointments to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Council, formally referring the matter to the Public Protector for urgent review.

According to The South African, JP Smith, the DA's Cape Town Metro Regional Chair, levelled the accusation against Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie on 12 August 2026, alleging that political considerations drove the selection of council members rather than relevant industry qualifications.

Smith warned that South Africa's film and television industry is operating under severe pressure, citing delayed incentive funding and excessive administrative red tape as key obstacles. He argued that the sector needs qualified specialists at the helm of national arts bodies, not individuals whose primary qualification appears to be political proximity to the minister.

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"McKenzie has prioritised political patronage over industry expertise, threatening vital local investment and employment," Smith stated in the DA's official communication.

Questions raised over council appointments

The DA, which took him to the Public Protector over grant claims, identified several council members it believes have political, personal or professional connections to McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance (PA).

Simon Carl Clarke, described as a former business partner of the minister, was among those named. Omphemetse Mokgosi and Siphosethu Mthamzeli were both cited for alleged ties to party figures. Tony Ferreira was identified as a co-director in a firm alongside PA legal head Eugene Botha, and Andrea Gordon was described as a family friend of the minister.

Smith further cautioned that individuals with backgrounds managing municipal entities in Johannesburg were not suitable candidates to oversee national arts institutions. The DA called on McKenzie to disclose the full selection criteria used during the appointments process and to ensure that future vacancies on the council are filled by film industry professionals with demonstrable expertise.

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DA calls for IDAC to be disbanded

In a related article, Briefly News reported on the DA's proposal for a new anti-corruption body in South Africa, advocating for its establishment outside the National Prosecuting Authority. The party argues that the current Investigating Directorate Against Corruption is irreparably damaged, calling for an entirely new institution to ensure effective accountability and justice against corruption.

Source: Briefly News