Court battle: SARA disputes Public Protector's report on Gayton McKenzie

The South African Roadies Association (SARA) has launched a court battle against Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka's report on allegations made by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. SARA argues that the report is unlawful and irrational, claiming it neglected to investigate critical elements of the grievance. The dispute began in 2024 when McKenzie accused an "individual" of receiving R20 million to buy and renovate a building for SARA.

McKenzie's claims were made during an SABC interview and later at a creative and cultural industries gathering. In response, Nyathela, the alleged individual, lodged a complaint with the Public Protector against McKenzie, stating that the accusations were false and used to block institutional funding.

However, Gcaleka's report concluded that McKenzie's statements were not substantiated and were made in the course of legitimate ministerial oversight. SARA has sought the report to be declared unlawful and irrational, arguing that the Public Protector incorrectly identified the core issue of the inquiry and failed to thoroughly investigate critical elements.

Nyathela contends that the Public Protector's failure to investigate sources and determine whether McKenzie's statements created a false or misleading impression renders the findings irrational and unlawful.