The Democratic Alliance has demanded an immediate review of the National Film and Video Foundation Council. The party claims political interests may have influenced several appointments.
DA Cape Town Metro Regional Chair JP Smith raised the concerns on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. He also warned that South Africa’s film industry faces serious challenges.
According to Smith, delays involving incentives and funding are already hurting productions. He said those delays could also threaten investment and employment.
DA Questions NFVF Council Appointments
Smith argued that government must act faster to protect South Africa’s position. He said excessive bureaucracy could drive international productions towards competing markets.
“As government, we must cut red tape, find the necessary funding, and support the sector as much as possible,” Smith said.
However, the DA’s biggest concern involves the current NFVF Council. Smith alleges that several members have connections to Patriotic Alliance figures.
The Patriotic Alliance is led by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. The DA therefore wants greater transparency around the appointment process.
Smith specifically mentioned Simon Carl Clarke among those facing questions. He described Clarke as a former business partner of McKenzie and Kenny Kunene.
Clarke previously served on the National Arts Council. He also chaired the Johannesburg Roads Agency.
Smith also questioned Omphemetse Mokgosi’s appointment to the council. He alleges that she has links to Patriotic Alliance media head Bakang Lethoko.
Mokgosi previously held positions at the National Arts Council. She also served on several Johannesburg municipal entities.
The DA further raised concerns about Siphosethu Mthamzeli. Smith alleges that she previously served under Kunene’s oversight at a Johannesburg entity.
He also pointed to her professional relationship with Lethoko. Additionally, Smith questioned Tony Ferreira’s connection to the Patriotic Alliance.
According to Smith, Ferreira co-directs a company with party legal head Eugene Botha. He also identified Andrea Gordon as an alleged family friend of McKenzie.
These claims come from the DA and have not been independently verified. The alleged relationships and appointment concerns therefore remain allegations.
Party Takes Appointment Concerns to Public Protector
Smith said the DA has already approached the Public Protector over alleged cadre deployment. The party also plans to continue challenging the appointment process.
He believes the NFVF requires experienced professionals who understand the entertainment industry. Smith argued that political considerations should not determine who leads the organisation.
“I cannot sit idly by while a Council tasked with developing, funding, and promoting the South African film and television industry is hijacked,” Smith said.
Meanwhile, the DA has highlighted wider financial problems facing local filmmakers. The party says delayed funding could discourage productions from choosing South Africa.
Smith warned that international investors could take their projects to competing countries. Consequently, South Africa could lose both investment and employment opportunities.
“The industry needs action, not another round of government departments blaming one another while South African jobs and investment disappear,” he said.
The DA wants McKenzie to disclose how the NFVF appointments were handled. It also wants suitably qualified film and television specialists appointed.
Finally, Smith called for urgent accountability across the sector. He warned that continued inaction could further damage South Africa’s creative industries.
“The Minister cannot continue to pass the buck while the industry he is responsible for protecting is allowed to decline,” he said.
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