McKenzie defends pro-ICE comments, says they were made as PA President not as Minister
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has clarified that his recent public support for US President Donald Trump and the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was made in his capacity as President of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), not as a government minister.
McKenzie emphasised that matters of immigration, border control, Home Affairs, and foreign policy do not fall within his ministerial portfolio.
“I have respected Cabinet discipline, and I do not speak on behalf of government on these issues,” McKenzie said.
“Since joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, my focus remains firmly on delivering on my portfolio and contributing constructively to the work of the GNU.”
McKenzie stressed that the Patriotic Alliance’s position on illegal immigration remains unchanged.
“The PA remains firm in its belief that illegal immigrants must be deported en masse, that South Africa’s borders must be heavily reinforced and defended, and that the rule of law must be applied without hesitation. We said Abahambe before we entered government, and we still say Abahambe today,” he said.
While acknowledging the prevailing government position on immigration, McKenzie defended his dual role.
“Being part of government does not mean abandoning the principles that earned us the trust and support of our voters. I will not sell our voters short or pretend that our views have softened simply because we now occupy seats in government.”
He further justified his support for Trump-style enforcement policies.
“As leader of the Patriotic Alliance, I support strong and decisive enforcement-led approaches to illegal immigration, including those pursued under President Trump and through ICE, because I believe that sovereign nations have both the right and the responsibility to control their borders, to enforce their laws, and to protect their citizens.”
McKenzie stressed that his positions in government and in the PA are held “openly, honestly, and without apology.”
IOL News