Ntsiki Mazwai Exposes Favoritism & Corruption in the Arts Department – FASHION FORCE AFRICA

Ntsiki Mazwai makes bold allegations against the Arts & Culture Department, questioning how Unathi Nkayi was chosen for a book fair, why certain artists receive special treatment, and Minister Gayton McKenzie’s role in the industry.

Ntsiki Mazwai Calls Out Arts Department Over Corruption, Favoritism & Industry Bias

Industry Bias & Allegations Against Minister Gayton McKenzie

Ntsiki Mazwai’s Explosive Allegations in the Arts and Culture Department

February 2025 – South African poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai has sparked widespread debate. She made bold accusations against the Department of Arts and Culture. Taking to her social media platform, Mazwai claimed that certain government officials were involved in inappropriate relationships with celebrities. They were exchanging these relationships for career-boosting opportunities.

Mazwai shared a series of posts to express her frustration. She describes an unfair and corrupt system. In this system, certain public figures benefit from political favoritism. Meanwhile, hardworking artists are overlooked. She specifically pointed to an incident involving a government-sponsored trip to the 33rd Havana International Book Fair. She questioned how a person with no background in writing or poetry was selected to represent South Africa.

“I want to know how the Minister of Arts and Culture made the choice for the book fair. They chose someone who isn’t even a writer or poet. Cuba specifically asked for us. Unathi is not a writer,” she wrote.

Her claims intensified. She accused the government of giving preferential treatment to specific individuals. She further alleged that some delegates were provided with luxury accommodations and business-class flights. Meanwhile, others were placed in lower-tier arrangements.

“She flew business class while others were in economy? And why? Why was one booked in a 5-star hotel while other writers were booked in 3-star hotels?” Mazwai questioned.

Mazwai also took aim at media personality Unathi Nkayi, hinting at a past controversy involving Sizwe Dhlomo. She accused Unathi of fabricating claims and then playing the victim. Mazwai did not provide further details. However, social media users quickly recalled Unathi and Sizwe’s highly publicized fallout at Kaya FM. During the fallout, Unathi accused him of misconduct. However, evidence later suggested otherwise.

Mazwai shifted focus from the book fair scandal to Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie. She raised concerns over his frequent awarding of gigs to artist Jamali. She shared an anonymous message. It was from a concerned industry professional. The professional questioned why Jamali has been securing multiple lucrative opportunities since the minister’s appointment.

“I also want to know why Gayton is siphoning so many gigs to Jamali. We have an entire industry,” Mazwai wrote.

Mazwai’s allegations have caused an uproar on social media, with users divided over her claims. Some praised her for exposing industry corruption, while others accused her of stirring unnecessary drama.

One user commented, “Yoo, this is sad and unfair, but ke, this is Mzansi—corruption is everywhere.” Another added, “Scary how things keep unfolding in the arts space.”

As of now, the Department of Arts and Culture and Minister Gayton McKenzie have not publicly addressed the allegations. However, the growing public outcry has increased pressure for transparency. There is a demand for accountability in how government-funded opportunities are allocated within the entertainment industry.