McKenzie Stands Firm on Illegal Immigration Fight as Accusations of Selling Out Circulate

Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance and South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, has pushed back against claims that he has softened his stance on illegal immigration since joining the Cabinet, insisting that the fight continues from within government.

McKenzie, who built much of his political profile on a tough anti-illegal immigration campaign, has faced growing criticism online, with some accusing him of having sold out after becoming a minister. Speaking on social media, McKenzie said his public activism has changed, not his position.  Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

"We even went to the border of Zimbabwe and South Africa to stop it. We fought it and made a lot of noise about it. I became the face of Abahambe," he said. However, he acknowledged that since entering the Cabinet, he has spoken less publicly on the issue.

He pointed to one recent instance where he publicly intervened in a cultural matter, saying he later felt he had overstepped. "I led a topic that was not my legal domain. I was not very collegial, and I would be angry if another minister started talking about sports or culture," he said.

Responding directly to claims that he has abandoned the cause, McKenzie said Cabinet membership has strengthened his influence rather than weakened it. "Many are accusing me of selling out. Far from it. I am a Cabinet minister now, and this issue is regularly discussed in Cabinet. I have a stronger voice inside government than standing at border gates trying to get attention," he said.

He also claimed there has been a noticeable shift in how government approaches illegal immigration. "To keen observers, there is a major shift in government attitude towards illegal immigration. This is because of strong lobbying by different leaders inside Cabinet," McKenzie said.

Despite stepping back from public border actions, McKenzie said the Patriotic Alliance continues to campaign aggressively on the issue. He credited senior party figure Leader Victoria with driving the campaign on the ground and pointed to the party's rapid growth as evidence of public support.

"We are the fastest-growing political party in South Africa, with 4000 percent growth. Do you think people would still vote for us if they believed I sold out? They know what is happening," he said.

McKenzie also dismissed suggestions that his Cabinet role is about personal gain. "I am not enjoying anything now that I could not do for myself financially. I am here to serve," he said.