The African Transformation Movement (ATM) and Vuka SA have requested President Cyril Ramaphosa (left) to suspend Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie (right) following allegations linking him to drug cartels.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been called to take immediate and transparent action against Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, after he was accused of being part of organised crime syndicates.
This follows a request from the African Transformation Movement (ATM) and Vuka SA for Ramaphosa to place McKenzie on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an investigation.
This is after a convicted fraudster and gang leader, Jermaine Prim, alleged that McKenzie and other members of Patriotic Alliance are proxies for the so-called “Big 5” drug cartels in Cape Town.
He accused McKenzie of active involvement in selling Mandrax while serving in Parliament.
Prim, who claimed that he met McKenzie in 2012 and assisted him with a social media campaign for a by-election in Riverlea in 2020, alleged that McKenzie sent him two mobile phones while he was in prison.
He also claimed that McKenzie orchestrated his transfer to the high-security C-Max facility to “gag” him because he possesses voice recordings linking the Minister to illicit drug money.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, on Tuesday said that the President was not aware of the ATM’s letter as he has been focusing on the South African Investment Conference.
When asked if the President had been made aware of the request, Magwenya said, “I doubt”.
McKenzie did not respond.
However, McKenzie, who previously dismissed the allegations “as baseless and lacking proof, told the media that he would resign from his position if Ramaphosa decided to suspend him, adding that he serves at the pleasure of the President and not due to political pressure or personal alliances.
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula said McKenzie has repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of behaviour that is wholly incompatible with the high office he holds.
Last year, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found prima facie evidence that McKenzie violated the Equality Act after using a racial slur (the “K-word”) in a live video and in resurfaced social media posts from over a decade ago. The matter was referred to the Equality Court after McKenzie failed to meet the commission’s demands for an apology.
The Office of the Public Protector also launched an investigation against McKenzie for allegedly misusing nearly R800,000 in public funds during a trip to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
ActionSA MP Derelee James also opened a case of intimidation against McKenzie, for allegedly using a Facebook Live broadcast to issue threats against her. She pointed to his use of the Afrikaans phrase “Die pad is lank” (The road is long) and his mentions of having 24/7 security.
James interpreted these remarks as an attempt to silence her investigations into alleged links between McKenzie, his deputy Kenny Kunene, and drug cartels.
This was after James presented a letter from Prim, who claimed there were recordings linking McKenzie to drug cartels, to the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee.
“From previous incidents involving racially offensive and divisive statements, to now facing extremely serious allegations linking him to organised crime syndicates, the situation has reached a level that cannot be ignored or downplayed,” said Zungula.
He added that this is not a matter of political debate, but a matter of public safety, national integrity, and the moral authority of the state.
According to recent studies by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), illicit drug use in South Africa has increased significantly over the last two decades, with the prevalence of recent use rising from 1.5% in 2002 to approximately 10% by 2017.
A 2024 study in Mpumalanga also found that 45% of students used substances in the past year, with most starting before age 18.
The Western Cape frequently reports the highest prevalence of drug use, followed by the Free State and Gauteng.
Zungula told Ramaphosa that to ignore the allegations would be a spit in the face of South Africans whose families are grappling with the scourge of drugs.
“Communities are under siege. Families are being torn apart, and children are dying,” said Zungula, adding that people live in fear while McKenzie is involved with these criminal networks.
He stated that the implications are shocking and unacceptable.
Zungula called on Ramaphosa to place McKenzie on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, “pending the outcome of an independent, comprehensive and transparent investigation.”
He said the ongoing Madlanga Commission must also extend its scope to investigate thoroughly, collect evidence, and interrogate all relevant parties.
Zungula also called on the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee to summon Prim and all relevant witnesses to provide testimony under oath, and ensure a full, open, and transparent process that the public can witness and trust.
Vuka SA also called for McKenzie’s suspension, adding that the intimidation against James, carrying out her constitutional duties, is a direct attack on the principle of parliamentary oversight – a cornerstone of “our” democracy.
“The intimidation complaint cannot be viewed in isolation. It arises directly from the subject matter of the Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission – namely, alleged links between Patriotic Alliance leadership and organised crime networks,” said the party’s president, Sipho Jantjies.
manyane.manyane@inl.co.za