Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has denied allegations that he filled South Africa's delegation to the Havana International Book Fair with his political allies.
In a Facebook post, McKenzie defended his decision to revise the original list of writers and poets, insisting that he sought greater racial inclusion by ensuring Coloured and White participants were included.
City Press reported that McKenzie ignored established literary figures in favour of Patriotic Alliance PA promoters and pro-Israeli clerics.
However, McKenzie dismissed these claims, saying he barely knew anyone on the final list and rejecting accusations of political favouritism.
My crime was wanting inclusion I received a list that I am supposed to sign for writers and poets to go to Cuba, I am the final signatory as the minister at the department of sport, arts and culture, the minister wrote.