Former Central Karoo mayor Gayton McKenzie defended his decision to visit Orania, a whites-only town in South Africa.
Images via Twitter: @GaytonMcK
Gayton McKenzie defends Orania visit: ‘Learn from them’ [photos]
Despite disagreeing with several practises, politician Gayton McKenzie claimed that there was ‘lots to learn’ from the town of Orania.
Former Central Karoo mayor Gayton McKenzie defended his decision to visit Orania, a whites-only town in South Africa.
Images via Twitter: @GaytonMcK
Gayton McKenzie has defended his decision to visit Orania – a “whites only” town located in the Northern Cape.
The Patriotic Alliance leader was criticised for documenting his stay at controversial suburb, which many South Africans have labelled “racist.”
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GAYTON REVEALS INTERESTING INSIGHTS FROM ORANIA STAY
Over the weekend, Gayton McKenzie made an overnight stop in Orania. The purpose of the visit was to meet with local leaders and learn more about the unusual town.
Sharing a lengthy Twitter thread, the PA leader came to the following conclusions:
- Orania is a white-only town. Black people are not allowed to buy land or stay there. According to leaders, this is a means to “preserve” the Afrikaaner culture
- The town does not permit any embers of the LGBTQ community to enter the town
- The population is about 3000 people, and residents thrive on keeping the town clean
- Orania has its own currency -Ora – and even its own Reserve Bank registered bank. It also has its own flag
- The town has multiple thriving businesses which employ residents
- It is self-sufficient with its own schools, factories and hospitals.
- Afrikaans is the only language spoken and taught
- Despite having a small population, the town has “futuristic” financial practises
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Reflecting on the experience, he added: “The saddest part abt Orania is that they are doing exactly what we should be doing in SA, which is building infrastructure, technical schools, empowering people, and have dreams. I met the leaders of Orania, and they are all very idealistic. Just a pity that it is only for Afrikaners”.
CLAPPING BACK AT CRITICISM
While many South Africans on social media praised Gayton for stepping out of his comfort zone and taking the time to learn from another culture, others lamented the political leader for “entertaining racists and homophobes.”
Clapping back at critics, Gayton tweeted: “You wanna insult me for going to Orania to go learn and satisfy my curiosity. But your leaders go to China & Europe to learn about things happening currently in Orania.
He added: “I don’t need to agree with people on everything to learn from them. Orania has many lessons to learn, good & bad”.
