Gayton McKenzie - South Africa's New Sports Minister and His Unconventional Path to Power

SOURCE www.npr.org
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's new sports minister, has a colorful past that includes a criminal history and a rise to power through politics. He aims to regulate car spinning, a dangerous motorsport with roots in the country's ganglands.

Key Points

  • McKenzie went from a life of crime and prison to becoming a successful businessman and ultimately a government minister.
  • His party, the Patriotic Alliance, advocates for right-wing populist policies and has gained political traction in South Africa.
  • McKenzie aims to promote car spinning as a legitimate sport and believes it can help reduce crime in gang-ridden areas.

Pros

  • McKenzie has a unique background that includes overcoming adversity and reinventing himself from a criminal to a successful businessman and now a government official.
  • His party's manifesto addresses issues such as mass deportation of immigrants, returning the death penalty, and promoting the interests of the 'colored' community.
  • McKenzie aims to clean up corruption in the sports sector and regulate car spinning, a dangerous motorsport with roots in South Africa's ganglands.

Cons

  • Critics argue that McKenzie lacks credentials for the role of sports minister and question his suitability for the position due to his controversial past and political views.