The African Transformation Movement (ATM) and Vuka SA have asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to place Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an investigation into McKenzie's alleged part in organised crime syndicates.
Image: Michael Sherman / IOL
President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing mounting pressure to take “immediate and transparent action” against Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie following allegations linking him to organised crime syndicates.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) and Vuka SA have formally called on Ramaphosa to place McKenzie on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of an investigation.
The demands follow claims by convicted fraudster and alleged gang leader Jermaine Prim, who accused McKenzie and members of the Patriotic Alliance of acting as proxies for major drug cartels in Cape Town.
Prim further alleged that McKenzie was involved in selling Mandrax while serving as a Member of Parliament.
Prim claimed he met McKenzie in 2012 and later assisted with a social media campaign during a 2020 by-election in Riverlea. He also alleged that McKenzie sent him two mobile phones while he was incarcerated and orchestrated his transfer to a high-security C-Max prison facility to silence him, alleging he holds voice recordings linking the minister to illicit drug activities.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said on Tuesday that the president was unaware of the ATM’s request, citing his focus on the South African Investment Conference. When asked directly whether Ramaphosa had been informed, Magwenya responded: “I doubt.”
McKenzie did not respond to requests for comment.
However, he has previously dismissed the allegations as baseless and without evidence, stating he would step down if Ramaphosa chose to suspend him. He added that he serves at the pleasure of the president, not due to political pressure or alliances.
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula said McKenzie’s conduct reflects a pattern incompatible with public office. He pointed to prior findings by the South African Human Rights Commission, which determined there was prima facie evidence that McKenzie violated the Equality Act after using a racial slur in a live video and historical social media posts. The matter was referred to the Equality Court after he failed to issue an apology.
Separately, the Public Protector South Africa is investigating McKenzie over the alleged misuse of nearly R800,000 in public funds during a trip to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
ActionSA MP Derelee James has also opened an intimidation case against McKenzie, accusing him of issuing threats during a Facebook Live broadcast. She cited his use of the Afrikaans phrase “Die pad is lank” (“The road is long”) and references to his round-the-clock security as attempts to silence her.
James’ complaint followed her submission of a letter from Prim to a parliamentary ad hoc committee, in which he claimed to possess recordings linking McKenzie and his deputy, Kenny Kunene, to drug cartels.
Zungula said the allegations go beyond political contestation.
“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,” he said.
He added that the matter touches on public safety and the integrity of the state, warning that rising drug abuse in South Africa has intensified the urgency of the issue.
Studies by the Human Sciences Research Council indicate a significant increase in illicit drug use over the past two decades.
Zungula urged Ramaphosa to act decisively, warning that failure to do so would undermine public trust.
“Communities are under siege. Families are being torn apart, and children are dying,” he said.
He called for McKenzie’s immediate suspension pending “an independent, comprehensive and transparent investigation,” and urged the Madlanga Commission and the parliamentary ad hoc committee to expand their inquiries, summon witnesses including Prim, and ensure proceedings are conducted openly.
Vuka SA president Sipho Jantjies echoed the call, stating that the intimidation allegations against James represent a threat to parliamentary oversight and democratic accountability.