Gayton McKenzie Misses the Portfolio Committee Meeting Again

(The Post News)– Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie was once again absent at the portfolio committee meeting on Tuesday, as two sports governing bodies appeared before Parliament’s portfolio committee.

The two bodies, South African Football Association (SAFA) Heads and South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), met with the portfolio committee for a briefing on SAFA’s financials and other related issues, including an update on the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

However, Minister McKenzie sent an apology in which he noted that he is in Brazil on an official visit. Meanwhile, African National Congress (ANC) member of Parliament David Kgabo raised concern about the minister’s continuous absenteeism.

According to Kgabo, McKenzie has normalised missing meetings with the portfolio committee. Kgabo accused McKenzie of undermining the “deliberations and discussions” that occur during the meetings. He further claimed that McKenzie has decided that he does not want to account to the committee.

He added that the minister’s apology must be rejected while also emphasized that the committee must summon McKenzie to appear before the portfolio committee.

The portfolio committee chairperson concurred that the minister’s apology is inadequate, but this doesn’t only apply to the minister but also to his deputy as well. The chairperson noted that it is time for the deputy minister to attend this meeting and inform everyone of her designated area of duty and deployment.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Eugene Mthethwa called on the committee to develop a policy that will resolve absenteeism from members.

Minister McKenzie has, however, been summoned by the committee to the issues of the NAC; he has not replied to a letter sent to him on Friday.