My crime was wanting inclusion: McKenzie

Social media has been divided over the conflict between artist, Unathi Nkayi, poet Ntsiki Mazwai and the Minister of Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

The spat came about after Mazwai claimed that she was removed from the list of people who were supposed to head to the 2025 Havana International Book Fair in Cuba.

The poet took to social media, accusing McKenzie of corruption. She says the Minister added his ‘celebrity friends’ to the delegation.

She alleges that he replaced her with Nkayi, despite Cuba’s specific request for her participation.

She even questioned the former radio host’s writing credentials.

McKenzie has, however, refuted the claims, threatining to take Mazwai to court over the corruption allegations.

The Minister says the decision on the Cuba delegation was to ensure that he did not fill the list with political allies and emphasised his commitment to combating racism.

Nkayi also defended her inclusion, highlighting her credentials as a bestselling author, composer, and TV producer.

Unathi also posted a video taking a tour in the country.

Ntsiki has on the other hand threatened to lodge a complaint with the Public Protector.

Some South Africans are backing her bid, while others have rejected the claims as baseless.

I fully support @GaytonMcK on this matter. Slandering someone using baseless accusations cannot be tolerated Ntsiki.

And running to presidency will not help you.

— Power of Revolution 🙌🏽🇿🇦 (@Powerful_Lebo) February 17, 2025

He isn’t bullying you though

— Ma’Ncibane (@EliSeptember_) February 17, 2025

I am with Ntsiki on this one , the minister uses social media too much for his judgment and has been on X long to see her get bullied.. he also has used his platform and power to declare he will make sure Unathi is back on her feets and is no blackballed.

Anyways both ladies…

— Don Mayo (@Mayo6Tee) February 17, 2025

If you see Gayton threatening her, just know it’s true.

— AUTHOR ✍🏿 (@MokwadiMo) February 17, 2025

Ur only sin is that you are a woman of integrity. You do things by the book and not by holding late night meetings in hotel rooms.🤷‍♀️if you know what I mean🤣🤣

— Pinky (@Pinky1141575) February 18, 2025

Fact remains, Unathi did not deserve to be there, she always forced on us. Her response is very childish, typical entitled SA “celeb” with nothing to be celebrated for

— StKijiko (@StKijiko) February 17, 2025