Patriotic Alliance leader and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has responded to criticism over his anti-illegal immigration campaign, insisting that his fight continues, now from within Cabinet.
Accusations that he has a “sell-out” since joining Cabinet have followed him closely, but McKenzie insists his fight against illegal immigration continues.
Illegal immigration has long been one of McKenzie’s signature campaigns. Speaking to the social media, he recalled, “We even went to the border of Zimbabwe & South Africa to stop it. We would fight it and make lots of noise about it. I literally became the face of Abahambe.”
However, McKenzie admits that since becoming a cabinet minister, he has rarely spoken publicly on the matter. “The only time as a minister that I publicly spoke loud was when they wanted to announce a Nigerian as Ms SA. I personally felt that I could have handled the matter differently because I put my colleague in a difficult situation. I led a topic which was his domain by law. I felt afterwards that I was not very collegial. I would be angry if another minister started talking sports or culture.
Addressing criticism that he has abandoned the anti-illegal immigration cause, McKenzie said, “Many are accusing me of selling out. Far from it. I am a cabinet minister, and this is a regular discussion point in cabinet. I have my full say there. I can’t be standing at border gates trying to get the attention of the government whilst I am part of the government. I have a more powerful voice now to raise this burning issue.”
He also claimed that there is a notable shift in the government’s approach to illegal immigration. “To very keen observers and readers, there is a major shift in government attitude towards illegal immigration. This is because of a strong lobby of different government leaders inside the Cabinet,” McKenzie said.
Gayton McKenzie defends his anti-illegal immigration stance from within Cabinet
Despite stepping back from public demonstrations, McKenzie insisted that the Patriotic Alliance continue to fight hard against illegal immigration. “The party I belonged to still fights very hard against illegal immigration. Leader Victoria is leading the campaign with tangible results. We are the fastest-growing political party in SA, with 4000% growth. No party is currently enciphering that. Do you think people will continue to vote so strongly if they feel I sold out? No, they are in the know.”
Reflecting on his current role in government, McKenzie emphasised that his motivation is public service rather than personal gain. “Lastly, I am not enjoying anything currently which I couldn’t do or didn’t do for myself financially. I am here because I wanna to serve.”
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star