Cape Town – Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie, now Minister of Sport, Arts, and Recreation, has expressed satisfaction with his new role despite initially seeking the Home Affairs or Police portfolios.
“Many people will not understand. We wanted Home Affairs or Police Ministry, but the true followers will know we also wanted Sports. I told the ANC ( African National Congress) about sports off the record during the negotiations.
“I’m a sports person. I love sports, I follow sports,” said McKenzie.
PA Leader Gayton Mckenzie thank President Cyril Ramaphosa for appointing him as a Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture.#Cabinet pic.twitter.com/aml833uRbo
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) July 1, 2024
McKenzie outlined his plans for the portfolio, prioritising the fight against discrimination in Indigenous games.
“I’m passionate about sports and I also know about the discrimination against poor people with indigenous sports – people in the villages,” he said.
Thank you for all the well wishing messages, I will reply shortly I’m just busy getting ready, I have work to do 🥅 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/htQIRMdq4n
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) June 30, 2024
The minister promised spinners that he would achieve national recognition for the sport.
“There is one promise I made; spinning and stance are not crimes, you will see. I promise that spinning will be recognised. I will make spinning one of the biggest sports in this country. Stance is not a crime. Spinning will enter its rightful space,” said McKenzie.
On a serious but deeply personal note, I sincerely hope that my appointment as a Minster or my other achievements despite my past, despite the many insults, despite the many that tried to block my rise should show you that your destiny is in the hands of God. Praise Him 🥹🙏🏾
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 1, 2024
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