Latest news with #OpenChatsPodcasts
The South African
3 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Gayton claims he intercepted 'death threats' to Open Chats Podcast hosts
Gayton McKenzie – the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture – claims he intercepted death threats targeted at the hosts of the Open Chats Podcasts. The Patriotic Alliance leader made the shocking allegations in a recent appearance on Penuel Mlotshwa's podcast. Last week, the outspoken politician called out the presenters for their controversial comments about coloured people. The podcast has since been canned from the DStv line-up, with Gayton calling for the hosts to face the 'consequences' of their actions. Speaking to Penuel Mlotshwa on the Konvo Show, Gayton McKenzie addressed a viral clip of the Open Chats Podcast presenters perpetuating stereotypes about the coloured community. According to the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture – a reformed convict and gangster – he intercepted threats against the presenters. He said: 'This is deeper than what transpired between us and them. These kids don't know that in every race, there are some people who take things into their own hands. People didnt see the call that was like 'Can someone give us the address of those kids. Where do those kids go? I was the one who called those people and said, 'Don't do that. Im handling this. But people don't see that. Those people don't know who they are messing with Gayton did not provide any evidence to back his allegations. During the podcast, Gayton McKenzie also responded to the backlash of his own racist scandal. In recent days, the minister's old tweets have resurfaced, containing various racial slurs, including the K-word. He said of one particular X post, 'The anger should be towards Gandhi, because I used his exact words and put his name there.' He added, 'Is there anybody who has come out and said I've been racist towards them? Who is the victim of the K-word you say I'm using?'. Last year, Gayton McKenzie reflected on his former life of crime and gangsterism. In an X thread, he posted: 'I joined the gangs at age 13 as an ice boy, and by age 15 I was a soldier of the gang, and at 16 I started my own gang. My life consisted of going in and out of jail. I soon became a wanted person by divisions of the police.' Gayton was finally arrested at the age of 21 and was sentenced to 17 years at the Grootvlei prison for armed robbery. He added, 'I was over the moon because I am now being certified. Going to jail or killing someone in the gang world means you have made your bones. It's like a badge of honor, going to jail was my badge of honor'. In prison, Gayton became a 'general' in the 28s, a notorious numbers gang. After his release in 2003, Gayton turned his life around and became a businessman and motivational speaker. In 2013, he founded the political party, the Patriotic Alliance. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Political campaign or genuine outrage? Gayton McKenzie responds to criticism
Gayton McKenzie has come under fire for comments made during a recent live and X posts, shared years ago According to Gayton McKenzie, the recent outrage over comments made on a recent live video, and the resurfacing of old X posts are merely a political campaign orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and social media influencers. The Patriotic Alliance leader and Sports and Recreation Minister has faced backlash for using the K-word during a live video last week where he was giving feedback on action undertaken by the Patriotic Alliance regarding the racist comments made by Open Chats Podcasts hosts. McKenzie has also come under fire for posts he shared on social media. Addressing the backlash, McKenzie said he was humiliated and angry. "I never thought I would be accused of racism," he said. "In my life, I have never called anyone the K-word. This campaign is driven by the EFF and influencers. Could you show me the people I called the K-word? Please bring them to me. People have gone back to dig for posts from 11 years ago. Who are the victims?" he said.
