Gayton's son reveals why he'll never take dad's surname
Speaking on 947, Calvin Le John was questioned on his decision not to take his father's surname.
The Siwelele boss revealed that his mother chose to give him her maiden name in her bid to disassociate with Gayton McKenzie, who at the time had been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment at Grootvlie prison for armed robbery.
He said, 'She didnt want her child to grow up with the surname of a prisoner. I never changed it. Growing up, I actually felt blessed that I had my mother's surname because I did not want to be directly under my father's shadow.
Calvin – the firstborn of the Minister of Sport, Art and Culture – continued: 'I don't live by the title of the son of Gayton McKenzie. I always try to keep under the radar, I just wanted my peace.' View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Phezu Kwabo (@phezukwabo_)
In the interview, Calvin Le John praised his dad Gayton McKenzie for being a role model for many South Africans, despite his criminal past.
He said, 'My father is my teacher, my mentor. I love him, respect him, and admire him. He taught me everything I know.
'His story is a lesson for every person in South Africa.
'He's one of those people who show you that you can come from nothing and make it to where he is
Since Calvin Le John acquired Siwelele FC, many South Africans have accused Gayton McKenzie of having a hand in the closed business deal. Others claim he would use his position as Minister of Sport to further the club's interests.
Responding to the rumours, Gayton said in a Facebook Live: 'People act like we took money from under our mattress and we just went to go buy a club.
'He bought it, I'm not part of the company….There's no consortium, he owns 100% of the company alone'.
Gayton added, 'I'm very proud of him. He doesn't want to trade on McKenzie's name; that shows you he is different.'
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