Did minister Gayton McKenzie lie about Mapaputsi funeral payment?

Did sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie lie?

The family members of late kwaito star Mapaputsi claim they never received any contribution from the minister or his department towards their son's funeral — contradicting what McKenzie told TshisaLIVE at the DStv Delicious Festival rehearsal on Monday.

A family member who didn't want to be named told TshisaLIVE: “There is no truth in his story of him or his department paying for uSandile's funeral. It's just ridiculous what our family have endured from extorters and the drama of funeral parlours. We as a family know nothing about the funds contributed from the department or him, honestly.”

On Tuesday McKenzie told TshisaLIVE his department had contributed to Mapaputsi’s burial.

“I love Mapaputsi and his music. I'm being bashed by people who were chilling at the after tears that I didn't attend Mapaputsi's memorial and funeral services. I was in Russia doing my ministerial duties,” he said.

“I gave money for the funeral. The ones who said I didn't show up went there for empty gospel. They went there for after tears. I can't be told by someone who is drunk that I didn't come.

“I love that guy. I gave money and I signed for it. I gave orders while I was in Russia.

“I love Mapaputsi — to the point I was emotional. I took him seriously.”

When contacted by TshisaLIVE, department media liaison manager Cassiday Rangata-Jacobs said: “The department has been working through Mapaputsi's sister. There was a change in service provider for the funeral, so arrangements to pay R50k in support are still being made, but this was the contribution that was agreed to and it's what will be paid. The minister was referring to this.”