Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has been dragging his feet in fulfilling one of his biggest promises: establishing the Joshlin Smith Foundation. McKenzie, who committed his entire ministerial salary to this foundation upon taking office, insists he hasn’t backed down—he’s just being thorough.
“When I became a minister, I declared that I would not benefit from my salary and that it would be spent on funding the Joshlin Smith Foundation, which was yet to be set up. In the first months of my term, we focused on departmental work, and I used the salary to support worthy causes close to my heart, making a tangible difference. I haven’t kept a cent for myself, and I don’t intend to. Let’s be clear on that,” he said.
The delay in setting up the foundation has raised a few eyebrows, especially after DA MP Liam Jacobs recently challenged him. But McKenzie remains unfazed, saying, “To rush into creating any foundation would be a mistake, and the fact that it’s not yet registered doesn’t mean I’ve gone back on my undertaking not to benefit from my ministerial salary. We’ll continue to use the money to do good, with or without any foundation.”
It has been eight months since Joshlin Smith vanished outside her home in the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape. Her mother, Kelly Smith, and three other suspects have appeared in the magistrate’s court facing charges related to her disappearance.
In the meantime, McKenzie says he’s been donating his salary nationwide, helping organisations and individuals in need. “I’ve funded the search for Joshlin from the moment I became aware of it and have always said we’ll never stop looking for her, despite the growing sense of hopelessness surrounding the case.”
Since his appointment as minister, McKenzie has not been a stranger to controversy, often finding himself in the spotlight. Here’s a quick look at some of his headline-making moments:
The costly Olympic trip
In October, McKenzie sparked a furore when his trip to the Paris Olympics came with a hefty R800,000 price tag. He wasn’t too pleased with the bill either, going so far as to publicly request a breakdown from Acting Director-General Cynthia Khumalo, posting the letter on Twitter and promising transparency.
The EFF quickly criticised the expense. EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys labelled it “excessive” and “puzzling,” suggesting it might not have been the best use of public funds. But McKenzie didn’t hold back, hitting back at the EFF and accusing them of being “obsessed” with him rather than focusing on real political issues.
The ‘abahambe’ campaign
As the leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), McKenzie has been vocal about deporting illegal immigrants, with the “Abahambe” (“they must leave”) campaign drawing both support and concern. Supporters argue he’s addressing real issues facing South Africans, like job access, while critics worry it could fuel xenophobia.
Former President Thabo Mbeki even warned that “identity politics” might lead to social instability. McKenzie, however, maintains his stance is about protecting South Africans, saying, “It’s violence. Because violence is already being perpetrated against South Africans [allegedly by foreign national criminals].”
He’s also voiced his views on Miss SA contestants, asserting that the competition should be for South Africans only. “If I have to choose between the ministry and my stance on ‘abahambe’, then I’d choose ‘abahambe,’” he said.
Turning car spinning into a sport
McKenzie aims to make car spinning an official sport. Originating in Soweto, this high-adrenaline motorsport has long been controversial for its risks. But the Sports Minister is all in, saying, “I’ll make spinning one of the biggest sports in this country. Spinning and stance are not crimes.” While spinning fans cheer him on, safety concerns linger. If McKenzie’s dream materialises, stricter safety regulations are likely to be part of the package.
From calls for transparency to taking a stance on immigration and seeking to legitimise street sports, Gayton McKenzie knows how to keep the spotlight on himself. Whether he’s a game-changer or a troublemaker, he’s certainly one to watch.
