Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has hit back at South African celebrities, accusing them of using social media to bully government officials. His remarks were triggered by veteran actor Jack Devnarain, who publicly criticized the government for failing to protect performers’ rights. Devnarain, known for his roles in Isidingo and The Ghost and the Darkness, posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) where he decried the “systemic silence and negligence” from the government, broadcasters, and industry bodies over the exploitation of actors and crew members. He called for immediate intervention, claiming that silence had become normalized.
In a fiery response, McKenzie took to social media, accusing celebrities like Devnarain of expecting special treatment and using their platforms to pressure the government. “Many celebrities use social media to bully government officials. They expect us to jump when they speak. I’m different,” McKenzie wrote, adding that the days of exclusive access to government officials for celebrities were over. He further emphasized that fame doesn’t make one more important than other artists or citizens.
Devnarain, undeterred by McKenzie’s response, argued that discussions about systemic issues in the industry should not be handled on social media. In an interview, he stressed that these complex issues—such as contracts, legislation, and exploitation—require precise, technical conversations and direct engagement between government and industry leaders. He called for a more formal approach, with government ministers meeting with relevant stakeholders to address the problems at hand.
Devnarain also demanded transparent action from the government, urging them to stop ignoring the exploitation in the industry. He emphasized that if these issues are not addressed properly, more workers will continue to suffer. “The longer they remain silent, the more people will be exploited and abused,” he said, calling for concrete plans and interventions from the government to protect the rights of performers and other professionals in the sector.