Gayton McKenzie (right) and Kenny Kunene at the launch of McKenzie’s book, Trapped in Sandton, in 2016
Gayton McKenzie (right) and Kenny Kunene at the launch of McKenzie’s book, Trapped in Sandton, in 2016
Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has thrown his support behind embattled Nelson Mandela Bay mayor, Athol Trollip.
In a powerful open letter ahead of Thursday’s motion of no confidence, McKenzie – the self made millionaire – tore strips off Julius Malema, calling him out for the “racism” he and his party show towards white South African citizens.
The Patriotic Alliance voted against Trollip just four months ago, in a motion of no confidence that was brought forward by the ANC. However, Gayton McKenzie explains that the goalposts have changed because of the EFF’s rhetoric.
His open letter is beautifully crafted, and has been doing the rounds on social media. Gayton hammers the ANC for their silence, and vows to always “choose peace”. That means he and his party will back Mayor Trollip:
Gayton McKenzie passionately defends Athol Trollip:
“We have now watched the latest developments with interest after the call for the removal of Trollip yet again – this time raised by the DA’s erstwhile protectors, the EFF.
“We are, however, disappointed with the crude display of racism that has accompanied this, particularly the analogy of cutting the throats of the DA, the threats against white people and the general contemptuous rejection of ‘whiteness’.”
“My shock and utter disappointment has been compounded by the complete silence of the leaders of the ANC in the face of all this naked racism: your silence comes from your thirst for power in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. You dare not speak up because Malema will turn on you again and allow Trollip to stay.”
“You were silent when Malema told the country he is now ruling South Africa, and that he is de facto leading the ANC. None of you dared to stand up and say a word in protest.”
“As unlikely a candidate as I am to stop Malema from taking us off the rails, I choose peace, as exemplified by the PA; we choose nonracialism; we choose a shared future with whites; we choose to build on who we have become after apartheid instead of engaging in reverse racism.”
“So Trollip will be going nowhere on Thursday.”
Will Athol Trollip stay as NMB mayor?
The margins of victory will be razor thin in Thursday’s vote. Due to how the land lies in the Nelson Mandela Bay coalition, it is thought Trollip’s fate will be decided by the difference of “one or two” votes.
The DA hold 57 seats in local government, whereas the ANC and EFF paired have 56. The Patriotic Alliance have one vote they can cast, but may just turn out to be the most important of the lot.
Read Gayton Mackenzie’s letter in full right here.
