Charles EstherSouth Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has alleged that he personally intercepted death threats targeting the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast. Speaking during an appearance on Penuel Mlotshwa’s Konvo Show, the Patriotic Alliance leader claimed he stepped in to prevent individuals from tracking down the presenters.
Fallout From Controversial Comments
Last week, Gayton publicly criticised the Open Chats Podcast hosts over a viral clip in which they made remarks perpetuating stereotypes about coloured people. The controversy led to the podcast being removed from DStv’s line-up, with Gayton calling for the hosts to face “consequences” for their statements.
Details of the Alleged Threats
Gayton, a former gangster and ex-convict, alleged that unknown individuals were seeking the presenters’ whereabouts.
“People didn’t see the call that was like, ‘Can someone give us the address of those kids?’ I called those people and said, ‘Don’t do that, I’m handling this,’” he said.
The minister, however, provided no evidence to substantiate the claims.
Calls for Accountability
Some critics have questioned whether Gayton’s statements suggest he has personal contact with those making threats, prompting calls for parliamentary oversight into the matter.
Addressing His Own Racism Controversy
The minister also used the interview to respond to backlash over resurfaced old tweets containing racial slurs, including the K-word. He argued that one particular post was quoting Mahatma Gandhi and insisted no one has accused him of directly using racist language against them.
Reflections on a Gangster Past
Gayton shared details of his past involvement in organised crime, revealing he joined gangs at 13, became a gang leader at 16, and was arrested at 21 for armed robbery, serving 17 years at Grootvlei Prison.
In prison, he rose to the rank of “general” in the 28s, a feared South African gang.
Turning His Life Around
After his release in 2003, Gayton reinvented himself as a businessman, motivational speaker, and in 2013, founder of the Patriotic Alliance political party.
David Awoyode