The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, reflected on his 100-day at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg today. This follows him coming under fire for an "extravagant and exorbitant' trip to the Paris Olympic Games earlier this year.

THE OLYMPICS SAGA

McKenzie struck back at accusations that he misused taxpayer's money for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. "I didn't go on a joy ride. Don't compare me to Mama Joy. I am not a super fan. I am a minister. My first trip as a minister was to the Olympics. I came a week before the Olympics started and I attended six different meetings,' he said. He said he also attended the opening ceremony. "Before the opening ceremony started, the Sevens Rugby started, and I went to go and watch that. When the Olympics started, I sat in the rain so that athletes had someone screaming for them. I realised that I am excited about my new job, and I want to learn. So, I decided that I was going back to South Africa. I am probably the only minister in the world of sport who did not attend the Olympics," Gayton added.

NOT A MINISTER OF CONDOLENCES

McKenzie rounded up his achievements in the 100 days. He said his proudest moment in office is bringing back exiled Africans. "We brought back the remains of our heroes who were buried in exile.' He noted his contribution to the world of basketball, athletics, netball, and football. He also said he also rescued the National School of the Arts, which had run out of funds to keep the school running and contributed R2 million and they are currently in the process of making the hostels livable. McKenzie said his days in office have been filled with crisis management, but he has enjoyed his job. Unlike former Minister Nathi Mthetha, who was labelled "Minister of Condolences,' McKenzie, as he allegedly only McKenzie said he is not the Minister of condolences.