Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie announced that he will resign on Tuesday when his party, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), formally withdraws from the Government of National Unity (GNU). This move follows an ultimatum involving Deputy President Kenny Kunene’s reinstatement to Johannesburg’s mayoral committee, after Kunene was cleared by a legal probe ordered by McKenzie. McKenzie stated via social media that the PA will also pull out from all other coalition governments next week[1].
McKenzie expressed dissatisfaction with Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero, alleging collusion with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) that led to the loss of a transport portfolio and the blocking of PA appointee Liam Jacobs. He also cited the city’s failure to supply water to communities in Westbury and Newclare as a final straw, claiming he had to arrange emergency water supplies himself. If this withdrawal takes effect, McKenzie will be the first minister to resign from the GNU and the PA would be the first party to exit since the GNU’s establishment 15 months ago[1].
Meanwhile, McKenzie has faced criticism for what the Democratic Alliance (DA) describes as a “propaganda campaign” to justify funding cuts to major cultural festivals like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the National Arts Festival, KKNK, and others. The DA asserts that these reckless cuts threaten jobs and weaken the creative economy, calling for transparency and engagement with the sector[2]. There are further allegations that McKenzie withdrew pre-existing funding from established festivals and instructed organizers to apply for alternative funding streams, only for applications to be later rejected. The DA claims that the process for funding allocations suffered from political interference, with MGE adjudication panels including PA members, and highlights a lack of transparency around recent budget reallocations[3].
In recent public addresses, McKenzie insisted his party’s actions are motivated by a refusal to be disrespected in coalition arrangements, emphasizing frustrations with alliance politics and ongoing investigations involving senior PA members[4]. He also reaffirmed his intention to be interviewed on a podcast to address concerns relating to his leadership and the growth of the Patriotic Alliance[4].
References
- [1] Gayton McKenzie says Patriotic Alliance will withdraw from Government of National Unity, vows to resign as minister on Tuesday – EWN
- [2] DA exposes shocking Gayton Mackenzie propaganda campaign against iconic cultural festivals
- [3] Gayton McKenzie must answer for his broken promises
- [4] Gayton Mckenzie addresses Patriotic Alliance Members – YouTube