Receipts Served! Gayton McKenzie Fires Back After Lerato Calls Him Out At Nandi Nyembe’s Memorial”

The late Nandi Nyembe’s memorial turned into more than just a farewell — it became a battlefield of words. Actress Lerato Mvelase took the podium and blasted Sports, Arts & Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, accusing him of abandoning struggling entertainers like Mam’ Nandi. Social media caught fire instantly, with many saying Gayton had been too quiet while legends suffered.

Gayton McKenzie Drops Receipts

But Gayton wasn’t having it! Hours later, he took to X (Twitter) with proof that he didn’t just sit back. According to him, he personally gave Mam’ Nandi R20,000 when she first opened up about her financial struggles. He even flew out to be with the family after her passing.

In his own words: “Upon hearing of the dire situation of Ma Nandi Nyembe, I immediately sent her R20,000; she thanked me profusely. Upon being notified of her death, I took the first flight out of Cape Town to visit the children. I was warmly received.”

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Gayton went further, saying he covered private mortuary costs, gave Mam’ Nandi’s daughter another R10,000 for cakes and tea, and even assigned his personal driver to assist the family for the week. He didn’t stop there — he confirmed that the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture footed the bill for the entire funeral.

“Where Were You?” – Gayton Fires Shots Back

In a not-so-subtle jab at Lerato, Gayton questioned where her support was when Mam’ Nandi was alive and struggling.

“I can’t be told by people who only rock up when cameras are present. Where were you when she didn’t have money for medication? I did my part for someone in need.”

He closed off by revealing ongoing changes his department is pushing through, like medical aid, funeral cover, and inheritance benefits for artists. Gayton insisted this work often goes unseen:

“We are working day and night to change the lives of artists in South Africa. For the first time, they will soon have medical care, funeral cover & inheritance for their children.”

Lerato vs. Gayton is officially the feud nobody saw coming. And while Lerato had the smoke at the memorial, Gayton came through with the receipts. Now, South Africans are split: Was Lerato right to call him out publicly, or did Gayton just prove he’s been doing more than most behind the scenes?

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