Gayton McKenzie faces media backlash after Black Wednesday TikTok remarks

South African Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has been criticised by the National Media Group (NMG) after attacking IOL during a TikTok session marking Black Wednesday, National Press Freedom Day. NMG chief executive Melanie Peters linked his remarks to an investigation by IOL and NMG into alleged cadre deployment practices in his ministry. She called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to condemn McKenzie’s comments and investigate corruption allegations surrounding him. Peters also warned that attempts to block media coverage of the minister’s campaigns raise concerns about government transparency and press freedom.