Gayton McKenzie, president of the Patriotic Alliance, gave radical leaders a run for their money when he delivered his party’s foreign and economic policy in a recent Newzroom Afrika interview.
Gayton McKenzie ruffles feathers with ‘wild’ policies
As local government elections loom, McKenzie’s political movement has gained traction. In last week’s by-elections, the PA snatched two crucial wards in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The proof of PA’s surge, especially in mixed-race communities, can be seen in the whitewash it delivered in Ward 18, pulling away with 62% of the votes, compared to the DA’s 22%.
In 2016, the PA only had 3% to account for.
Much of the rapid increase in its support can be owed to the party’s hyper-radical and nationalist rhetoric. For the first time, South Africa got a dose of McKenzie’s charged up and highly emotive thoughts on South Africa’s lost identity.
In the interview, which you can watch below, the PA leader accused the government of failing its people, much to the benefit of foreign nationals who, in his view, enjoy untethered access to the country’s riches.
He wildly vowed to take more decisive action in dealing with South Africa’s immigration ‘problem’ by shipping every foreigner out of the country by 15:30 if his party was sworn-in to rule today.
Social media reacts to McKenzie interview
McKenzie’s heated interview sparked divisions on social media, with growing voices finding the octave to show support to the PA leader.
Here are some of the reactions we picked out from social media:
I’ve always loved Gayton McKenzie story & his book Hustler’s Bible still think is one of the best book to come out of SA. I was turned off & had lot of questions when he started relentlessy supporting Zuma, I read allegedly he was promised mine rights by him so I’m not too sure.
— No Name Brand (@DreamerSib) May 25, 2021
Not people comparing Gayton McKenzie to Julius Malema. This thing of using CiC name to make a name for yourself must come to an end.
— Malema4President (@PravinMustGo) May 25, 2021
Gayton Mckenzie and the PA is going to surprise many. In Beaufort West they are working with the likes of Truman Prince, whom the town knows, loves and trusts.
— The Psalmist (@PsalmistOfZion) May 25, 2021
They won a ward in Eldos.
DA was riding on the coloured vote for years.
Keep your eyes on this
Its either Herman Mashaba or Gayton McKenzie. At this rate we need someone who will Put South Africans first.
— Lawrence Maleka™ (@Thabo_LawrenceM) May 25, 2021
No one will put you first in Lesotho, ase ko geno ko.