The Public Protector has confirmed an investigation into allegations of misconduct by Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Story Summary:
- The Public Protector has launched a probe into allegations against Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie for misuse of public funds during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
• The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) lodged the complaint, accusing McKenzie of violating the Executive Ethics Code.
• McKenzie has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
Public Protector launches probe into Gayton McKenzie
The inquiry follows a formal complaint lodged by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), accusing McKenzie of misusing public funds during his attendance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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In a letter dated Tuesday, 3 December 2024, addressed to EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, the Public Protector’s office outlined the scope of the investigation, stating:
“The issue for investigation is whether the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, acted in a manner that is inconsistent with his office by misusing public funds on an international trip to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. If so, whether such conduct is improper as envisaged in section 182(1) of the Constitution and constitutes a violation of the Executive Members’ Ethics Code.”
The investigation is being conducted under section 182 of the Constitution and the Public Protector Act.
The office further noted that it had informed President Cyril Ramaphosa of the investigation, with a commitment to expedite the process despite its complexity.
The Public Protector’s team is currently gathering evidence, including analysing McKenzie’s response to the allegations.
The investigation will determine whether McKenzie breached the Ministerial Handbook, which guides members of the Executive in their conduct.
Allegations behind McKenzie’s reported misuse of public funds
The complaint against McKenzie originated from the EFF, which has accused the minister of excessive and unjustified spending during his Olympic trip.
Thambo, speaking on behalf of the party, alleged that McKenzie failed to explain the high costs incurred and demanded accountability.
In a statement, the EFF emphasised the seriousness of the allegations, claiming McKenzie had misused taxpayers’ money.
“We will send him back to jail,” said Thambo, referencing McKenzie’s past criminal record and expressing the party’s determination to see him held accountable.
McKenzie, however, has denied the claims, dismissing them as politically motivated.
“These are baseless accusations aimed at tarnishing my reputation,” McKenzie stated in a previous response.
He dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, claiming the EFF was using his name for relevance.
“What is the problem with the EFF? The problem with the EFF is that they are not the minister, they were insulting me calling ‘Bhantinti’ (jailbird). Now they must say honourable, it hurtful I understand and that hurt sometimes find expression in nonsensical answers. I do believe that the costs were put up by the demand of cars and hotels at Olympics. They can take me to the ethics committee, if they are right they can take me wherever they want to take me, if they are right. EFF needs to be relevant and Gayton McKenzie is now the most relevant name at the moment in this country,” McKenzie said.
