24/07/2026
🇿🇦 "R31 million is not a lot for government..."
Those words from Minister Gayton McKenzie have divided opinion across South Africa.
But here's the question every artist is asking...
If government believes that investment is the key to achieving results, why are so many creatives still struggling with delayed funding, cancelled projects, unpaid work, and limited opportunities?
Is the problem the Minister?
Is it Government?
Or has the funding system itself failed the creative industry?
At Imbizo Magazine, we're opening up this important conversation because the future of South Africa's creative economy depends on it.
📖 Read the full opinion piece:
https://imbizomag.co.za/2026/07/22/r31-million-is-not-a-lot-for-government/
💬 Join the debate in the comments:
What do you think is holding South African artists back?
R31 million is a lot of money to ordinary South Africans, but in the context of government spending, it is not a lot of money. You have to invest to get results. If you don't put resources in, you won't get anything out.