South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has found himself at the center of controversy after social media allegations suggested he approved a lucrative R180 million tender for a foreign company “Korone Engineering” lacking tax clearance. The claims, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), have led to a widespread backlash, with users accusing McKenzie and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) of political hypocrisy.
In response to the allegations, McKenzie took to X to clarify his role in the matter.
MMCs don’t approve tenders but they play an oversight role, that oversight role is now much needed. @Kenny_T_Kunene, no Nigerians should get tenders in SA,” he tweeted.
McKenzie further distanced himself from any wrongdoing, stating:
I know absolutely nothing about this. All I know is that a previously appointed company was Zimbabwean, and I’m told that they have been removed. @OnsBaizaNie will demand answers regarding this matter and will revert back. We will never allow this. @Kenny_T_Kunene is getting us the answers from officials.
His statements, however, have done little to quell public outrage. Many X users have accused McKenzie of using their political positions for personal gain, with some calling for South Africans to withhold their votes in the 2026 elections.
One user posted:
Gayton McKenzie, Kenny Kunene & the Patriotic Alliance have proven to be one big scam. They just wanted their turn to eat. No Patriot should give them a single vote come 2026.
Despite the heated debate online, no verified information has surfaced confirming that McKenzie or any PA official directly approved the R180 million tender. The PA has previously faced scrutiny over allegations of links to organized crime, claims that McKenzie has consistently denied.
In the past, McKenzie has positioned himself as a reformist leader, pushing for economic development initiatives, including a proposed Formula One race in South Africa, which he argued would boost tourism and investment.
As public pressure mounts, the PA has committed to investigating the tender claims and providing clarity on the matter. Until further official statements are released, the allegations remain unproven.
The controversy surrounding McKenzie and the alleged tender highlights the ongoing debate about political accountability and transparency in South Africa. As the country prepares for the 2026 elections, public trust in political parties remains a crucial issue. For now, McKenzie maintains his innocence, and all eyes will be on the PA’s next move as they seek to address the growing concerns of the electorate.
