The Ministry of Sport, Arts, and Culture, under Minister Gayton McKenzie, has faced criticism for rejecting the proposed board members for the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). McKenzie’s decision reportedly stemmed from his concern that no white candidates were included in the final list of nominees.
This controversy emerged during a discussion in the sport, arts, and culture portfolio committee, following McKenzie’s letter rejecting the nominees. The committee had previously recommended 19 candidates for the 15-member PanSALB board after an extensive nomination process.
Former minister Zizi Kodwa had initiated the process in consultation with the portfolio committee, appointing an ad hoc committee to invite public nominations last year. After vetting and interviews, the nominations were forwarded to the committee in January 2024. A report was adopted and tabled in Parliament in March, but it was not considered by the National Assembly due to time constraints.
The newly appointed committee revived the lapsed report in August 2024, rather than restarting the process, and submitted the shortlisted candidates to McKenzie for consideration. However, McKenzie raised concerns about the alleged exclusion of white candidates and previously serving board members.
Legal Opinions Challenge McKenzie’s Basis
Parliamentary legal advisor Herman Tembe clarified that the Minister is empowered to make appointments after consulting the portfolio committee. However, Tembe noted that McKenzie’s argument regarding the exclusion of white candidates was not supported by the law governing PanSALB appointments.
“The Minister’s argument is unfounded and is not based on the law that regulates persons eligible to be appointed as members of the board,” Tembe said. He also highlighted that individuals who previously served on the board were ineligible for reappointment once their terms had expired.
Tembe recommended that the committee engage with McKenzie to resolve the matter and ensure the timely appointment of the PanSALB board.
Portfolio Committee Reacts
Committee chairperson Joe McGluwa expressed frustration, noting that the rejection was first learned of through news reports. “I understand that the Minister is still new, but he must come to Parliament more often to understand parliamentary processes,” McGluwa said. He also emphasized that the law requires the Minister to appoint members from the final shortlist after consulting the committee.
EFF MP Eugene Mthethwa defended the nomination process, stating, “The interviews for the board were done in a free and fair manner. If the Minister thinks color determines capabilities, he must go back to the apartheid era.”
Freedom Front MP Corne Mulder acknowledged that while the Minister must consult, the ultimate decision rests with him. “If he is not happy, he can refer it back,” Mulder said.
ANC MP Ethel Nkosi criticized McKenzie for disregarding the committee’s recommendations, describing his actions as inappropriate.
Minister Defends His Position
Minister McKenzie’s spokesperson, Chade Kramer, responded to the criticism, stating that the Minister had raised his concerns with the committee during a meeting on 29 October 2024.
“(The) Minister tabled his dissatisfaction in the committee, expressing his pain upon discovering that the board is not multiracial. Minister McKenzie unapologetically fights for Coloureds, Indians, Whites, and Blacks to be seen as Africans and not categorized in racial classifications,” Kramer said.
McKenzie reportedly questioned the absence of Afrikaans-speaking members on the board, asking the committee, “I speak Afrikaans. Who on that committee speaks Afrikaans?” According to Kramer, the committee did not respond to this question.
The Minister emphasized his vision for an inclusive PanSALB board representing all races, arguing that the inclusion of a white candidate would reflect this ideal.
A Path Forward
The portfolio committee has yet to resolve the impasse, but members have called for further discussions with the Minister to ensure a diverse and legally compliant PanSALB board is appointed. Whether this will address the concerns of all stakeholders remains to be seen.