Gayton McKenzie accused of another ‘insensitive’ post
· The South African
Gayton McKenzie has been accused of making another “insensitive” post about a member of the Democratic Alliance.
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The Patriotic Alliance leader – who is also the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture – often uses his platform to call out the party helmed by Geordin Hill-Lewis, particularly over ward territory in the Western Cape.
Like the DA, the PA is also a part of the government of national unity (GNU),
GAYTON MCKENZIE ACCUSED OF AGEIST TWEET TOWARDS HELEN ZILLE
On his X account, Gayton McKenzie was accused of taking an ageist jab at Helen Zille, the DA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg.
The PA leader responded to a tweet that claimed that the 74-year-old was “two steps closer to Joburg mayorship”
Gayton responded: “She is one step closer to the graveyard at this age”.
In the comments section, many users found Gayton’s comment distasteful, particularly during Women’s Month. Others reminded the minister of his own past as a reformed convict.
@MrJLabuschagne: “Highly distasteful comment. You are losing traction and support because your ego is growing and your results aren’t keeping up”.
@IsoshalikaZulu: “Whatever your views are about @helenzille, this is distasteful language, especially coming from a sitting Minister. Be exemplary considering your past”
@Truter_Johan: “Tact clearly wasn’t part of the gangster-to-minister career development programme“.
She is one step closer to the graveyard at this age. https://t.co/sv7FRG7yoo
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 13, 2026
MINISTER DELETES POST ABOUT DA MEMBER WHO DIED
A day later, after taking a jab at Helen Zille, Gayton McKenzie was criticised for making another social media post.
On Facebook, the PA president posted a picture of a DA-branded vehicle that had been involved in a car accident. The fatal crash claimed the life of DA activist, Mviki Ncapayi.
Without knowing about the fatality, Gayton warned DA members to “keep our names our your mouths”
Gayton – who shared “We are glad no one is injured” – also made a Biblical reference, adding “Touch not the anointed”.
The minister’s post was criticised by several DA members, including former PA MP Liam Jacobs, who labelled it “insensitive and fundamentally unsettling”.
Gayton responded on Facebook: “We deleted the post. The person in the bakkie passed away at the hospital, by the time I wrote the post, there have been no news of anyone injured. We sympathise with his family”
Chastising the DA for “lying” and “politicising the death of a man”, he added: “We can never rejoice in the death of anyone”.
He added, “Don’t throw stones when you live in a glass house. The war has started. We are ready to meet you at the ballot. You talk about PA, you will hear from us”