Gayton McKenzie, the minister of sport, arts, and culture, has responded to comedian David Kau’s public plea about the underappreciation and lack of backing for the comedy sector in South Africa.
Kau vented on social media and asked McKenzie to meet so they could talk about the difficulties faced by comedians.
Kau expressed his displeasure with the lack of government backing and classifications for stand-up comedy in his tweets on X, the former Twitter platform.
Do we have to be in the Olympics or die before we Stand up Comedians can meet you @GaytonMcK ? 🤷🏾♂️
We know we’re not recognized or there’s no category for us although we have employed hundreds of people without any government Assisstance but would appreciate a meeting please.…— DavidKau (@davidkau1) August 16, 2024
He questioned if comedians had to gain major recognition—like competing in the Olympics—in order to be invited to meet with the Minister.
“Do we have to be in the Olympics or die before stand-up comedians can meet you @GaytonMcK?” Kau tweeted.
He emphasized that comedians have created numerous job opportunities without government assistance and attempted to engage McKenzie directly for a dialogue, stating, “Please advise who to contact to have a meeting with you.
I will go on a run [or] walk with you and spin cars, whatever it takes.”
In a thorough reply, McKenzie outlined his prior endorsement of Kau’s work, mentioning his attendance at several comedic performances and his attempts to buy tickets—even for occasions when Kau provided free admission.
I have attended every comedy show you ever had,I had bought loads of tickets despite you offering them for free, I even bought for my staff, i have booked you last year 4 our event @ Houghton hotel. I can’t have you insinuating that I don’t care about comedians, your approach bro https://t.co/BwSBKzv7Yv
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 16, 2024
McKenzie stated, “I can’t have you implying I don’t care about comedians,” restating his dedication to the arts and highlighting the significance of having a civil conversation about difficulties facing the sector.
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