McKenzie to take legal action against Sunday World
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has announced his intention to pursue legal action against Sunday World following its recent report alleging that the families of late kwaito legends Doc Shebeleza and Winnie Khumalo are still awaiting support from the department.
The publication claimed that, despite both artists passing away in January 2025, their families have received no assistance through the Silapha Wellness Intervention Programme an initiative aimed at supporting South African creatives. The report sparked backlash across the music industry and on social media, with critics accusing his department of neglecting cultural pioneers.
McKenzie, however, slammed the report as false and misleading. “I have visited both families, I attended both funerals, and I spoke at both services,” he said. “The least you could have done is ask me before printing these lies.”
The minister further revealed that financial assistance was provided to each family and has provided evidence to support his claim.
At Doc Shebeleza’s funeral, McKenzie publicly criticised record labels for failing to support artists during difficult times a sentiment echoed by music veterans Mzwakhe Mbuli and Chicco Twala, who spoke of the financial hardships both artists faced prior to their deaths.
As the controversy unfolds, questions remain about the effectiveness of DSAC’s welfare programmes, while McKenzie’s legal action signals a hard stance against what he describes as “irresponsible reporting.