The self-proclaimed ‘Minister of Happiness’ Gayton McKenzie has quickly become one of mzansi’s least desired politicians after he revealed his unexpected stance on Donald Trump at a meeting with Afriforum.
Since he was appointed Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has garnered a reputation as one of the more visible politicians as he has used his platform on social media to establish a more personal relationship and dynamic with citizens. The minister has also not held back when it comes to expressing his opinion, whether it aligns with the ANC government and the Government of National Unity (GNU) or not.
The minister is currently making waves on social media after X (formerly Twitter) user Kallie Kriel revealed that the minister had convened with civil rights organisation Afriforum to discuss the current issue the organisation faces with the ANC government, amongst other topics.
AfriForum, as the largest civil rights organization in South Africa, and Minister @GaytonMcK (Gayton McKenzie), leader of the Patriotic Alliance, had a constructive discussion about @afriforum, the Solidarity Movement (@SBeweging), and @solidariteit‘s upcoming visit to the United… pic.twitter.com/vUKtsQCeDi
— Kallie Kriel (@kalliekriel) February 18, 2025
In an effort to cover his tracks, the minister quickly responded to Kallie’s post by clarifying that he and the Afriforum representatives presented differing views concerning various topics, but both parties could agree that the ‘white genocide’ narrative pushed by Donald Trump and his supporters is not real and does not pose a threat to anyone in the country.
Thanks for the visit @kalliekriel, we differed respectfully, I’m glad that we agreed that there is no genocide in SA. Leadership requires of us to listen to each other particularly the ones we might dislike or disagree with strongly. Salute https://t.co/6QyqBaSE1a
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) February 18, 2025
It appears the damage has already been done as citizens rushed to condemn the minister for even entertaining the thought of a meeting with a group, they believe has been openly racist towards native people in South Africa. Furthermore, his stance regarding the Expropriation Bill where he expresses his opposition to it has caused users to conclude that he is a sellout to the struggle towards ensuring South Africa reaches its potential as one of the greatest countries in the world.
Furthermore, the minister expressed his admiration for President Donald Trump, claiming he has loved him since his reality TV days.
Minister Gayton McKenzie express his admiration for U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with AfriForum. pic.twitter.com/zsiaZ3i349
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) February 18, 2025
This stance from the minister further cemented the internet users’ opinion, that he is not for the people he claims to represent, rather, they believe that the minister will always look out for his own interests. These users believe that the minister has shown his true colours and revealed that he was never about making South Africa better, but rather to push his own agenda once in parliament.
Gayton McKenzie is the Sabela of our generation. Scammed gullible natives, got the votes, got his blue lights and back to factory settings right after. What a shame.
— Patience (@patience_setati) February 18, 2025
Lord Gayton McKenzie has disappointed all of us if we are being honest. He is the opposite of what we thought he was 😭💔 We got scammed here pic.twitter.com/8OavG9WPji
— Oracle (@Oracle5152) February 18, 2025
