The Ex-Gangster Now Leading South Africa’s Sports Ministry
Gayton McKenzie, once a notorious gangster and bank robber, has now risen to become South Africa’s minister of sports, arts, and culture. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed McKenzie, the leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), to this position in a coalition government formed after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the 29 May election.
At 50 years old, McKenzie celebrated his new role with enthusiasm, sharing a photo of himself donning football boots and humorously commenting: “Thank you for all the well wishing messages, I will reply shortly I’m just busy getting ready, I have work to do 🥅 ⚽️.”
For many, McKenzie’s appointment is a testament to his resilience and ability to overcome adversity. He committed his first bank robbery before turning 16 and later became a full-fledged gangster. After serving seven years in prison, McKenzie vowed to change his life.
“I might have had 12 rand in my pocket, but I had billion rand in my mind. And that is what people do not understand – they concentrate on what they lack instead of how to get what they lack,” he said in a 2013 interview with SABC.
Post-prison, McKenzie became a successful motivational speaker, published several books including “A Hustler’s Bible,” and ventured into various businesses. His endeavors ranged from mining in Zimbabwe to owning nightclubs in South Africa with his close friend and former prison mate, Kenny Kunene.
Kunene, infamously dubbed the “Sushi King,” gained notoriety for hosting a lavish 40th birthday party where sushi was served on nearly nude women. Despite the nightclub’s eventual closure due to legal issues, McKenzie stated he had moved on to other projects.
In 2013, McKenzie transitioned into politics, launching the PA with Kunene as his deputy. The party garnered 2% of the national vote and performed better in the Western Cape provincial elections, securing 8%. The PA’s support base is primarily from the coloured community, which comprises about 8% of South Africa’s population.
The PA’s slogan, “Ons baiza nie,” translates to “We are not scared,” reflecting McKenzie’s bold and relatable persona. Political analyst Kagiso Pooe noted that McKenzie’s bravado resonates with his constituency, likening him to figures like President Zuma and President Trump.
McKenzie’s tough stance on undocumented migrants also bolstered his popularity, despite accusations of xenophobia. His critics point out the contradiction between his campaign and his earlier statements praising African immigrants’ contributions to South Africa’s economy.
As coalition negotiations began, McKenzie openly sought the police ministry, arguing his criminal past made him uniquely qualified to address South Africa’s crime issues. However, he ultimately accepted the sports ministry, emphasizing the transformative power of sports for youth.
“Sport can be used to change children’s lives. A child in sport is a child out of court,” McKenzie asserted. He also promised to elevate car spinning, a popular but stigmatized motorsport, by providing safe environments for the activity.
McKenzie’s appointment is not without controversy. He is currently under investigation for allegedly failing to account for funds raised during his tenure as mayor of Central Karoo. Despite this, he maintains his innocence and vows to clear his name.
As McKenzie embarks on his new role, he remains determined to leverage sports to uplift communities and keep young people away from crime and drugs. His journey from gangster to minister serves as a powerful narrative of redemption and resilience.
