Dear Mr Gayton McKenzie,

I am writing on behalf of MJ Selepe In Christ Realities to formally express our deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the Free state Department’s abrupt decision to halt funding for our project, In Christ Realities in favour of reallocating the budget to MACUFE (Mangaung African Cultural Festival).

Our organization submitted a comprehensive funding application for In Christ Realities on [23 April 2025]. This application predates any public announcement or budgetary planning for MACUFE [08/July 2025]. We even had to resubmit the proposal to the MEC office, as our Initial proposal was nowhere to be found. Despite our compliance with all procedural requirements and assurances of support, we were recently notified that our funding has been suspended indefinitely due to "budgetary constraints" directly linked to MACUFE.

This decision is particularly troubling because: 1. Procedural Unfairness: Our application was submitted and awaiting approval prior to MACUFE’s budgetary demands, yet we are penalized for the Department’s retrospective prioritization.
2. Operational Harm: The halt has severely disrupted project timeliness which was set for
06 September 2025, undermining our ability to serve local artists and as the results, cancel the project as there are no funds allocated to it, and the loss of funds we had to chip out of our pocket just to keep the Show running, while waiting for the funds.
3. Lack of Transparency : No prior consultation or rationale was provided for diverting funds from pre-existing commitments to a single event.

We request the following actions:
✅ Immediate response as to why there hasn't been any response regarding our funding request proposal , despite sending the proposal as early as April.
✅ A written explanation for the budget reallocation to MACUFE at the expense of local artist projects.
✅ Transparency regarding the criteria used to prioritize MACUFE over other departmental obligations.

We have always valued our partnership with the Department and urge you to resolve this matter urgently. And we trust that you are the only one who can help us with this situation.

We ask for your written response within 14 working days or as soon as you can, as time is not on our side.

Regards
BJ SELEPE