Ntsiki Mazwai accuses Minister Gayton McKenzie of excluding her from Havana Book Fair

Renowned poet and activist Ntsiki Mazwai has taken to social media to call out Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, accusing him and his department of deliberately excluding her from the 33rd Havana International Book Fair in Cuba.

Mazwai claims that, despite being personally invited by the event’s organizers, she was removed from the official South African delegation and replaced by Unathi Nkayi.

Mazwai’s Allegations Against the Department

Expressing her frustration and disappointment on social media, Mazwai made it clear that she expected an apology and financial compensation for the alleged exclusion.

“I truly believe I am owed an apology and, to be honest, compensation by the Department of Arts and Culture and Gayton McKenzie,” she posted.

To support her claims, the outspoken poet shared evidence confirming that the Cuban event organizers had explicitly requested her presence by name. These claims were later verified by the Daily Maverick, further fueling public debate about the department’s alleged bias and exclusionary practices.

Dispute Over Her Anthology at the Event

Adding to her frustration, Mazwai also accused McKenzie’s department of deliberately refusing to bring a copy of her anthology, The Gods Wrote: Three South African Poets, to the book fair.

The book, which features the work of Mazwai, the late Keorapetse Kgositsile, and Harry Owen, was officially launched at the event. However, according to Mazwai, when the Cuban organizers asked the delegation to bring a copy for display, they refused to take it.

“When the Cubans asked them to take me a copy, the head of the delegation refused. I believe I am owed an apology. Even for the intimidation tactics and the bullying I was subjected to,” she added.

This incident has sparked a conversation about how South African artists and literary figures are treated by their own government, particularly when they are critical voices within society.

Public Reaction and Support

Mazwai’s claims have received mixed reactions online. Many of her supporters rallied behind her, condemning the department for what they see as unfair treatment. Some even questioned whether politics played a role in her exclusion, as Mazwai has often been outspoken against government policies.

However, others pointed out that official delegation lists are often subject to last-minute changes, and her removal may not have been deliberate or personal.

One social media user commented:

“We need transparency on how these delegations are selected. If Ntsiki was invited, why wasn’t she allowed to attend?”

Another user disagreed, stating:

“Maybe there were other reasons for the change. This doesn’t mean it was personal.”

Despite the polarizing opinions, the issue has highlighted ongoing tensions between South African creatives and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture.

Minister Gayton McKenzie’s Response

As of now, Minister Gayton McKenzie has not publicly addressed the allegations made by Mazwai. However, the controversy has placed increased pressure on his department to clarify the selection process for cultural delegations.

Many in the arts community are now calling for transparency, demanding answers about why certain artists are chosen over others and whether personal or political biases influence these decisions.

What Happens Next?

It remains to be seen whether Mazwai will take legal action against the department or if McKenzie will respond with an official statement.

What is clear, however, is that this incident has once again brought attention to the struggles South African artists face when seeking fair representation at international events.

For now, Mazwai continues to stand her ground, insisting that she was unfairly sidelined and that the government owes her an explanation.