Gayton McKenzie, in a recent breakfast meeting with South Africa’s Living Legends, announced a significant proposal aimed at better supporting individuals who have made lasting contributions to the country’s sports, arts, and cultural landscapes. McKenzie emphasized the need to honor these influential figures with a more substantial monthly stipend, suggesting an increase from the current R15,000 to as much as R50,000.
The initiative aims to provide long-term financial stability for these legends, acknowledging the vital roles they have played in shaping South Africa’s cultural identity. McKenzie committed to raising a minimum of R600,000 annually for the Living Legends, with a potential increase up to R1 million per year.
“Gone are the days when legends received R14,000 for their invaluable contributions,” McKenzie stated. He further emphasized that their time of performing and fighting for recognition had ended, and now it was time for the country to give back to those who paved the way for future generations.
The initiative reflects McKenzie’s belief in the importance of ensuring that these iconic figures are supported, not just for their past contributions, but also for their continued impact on the nation’s cultural fabric. With this program, McKenzie hopes to create a lasting legacy for South Africa’s most revered figures.