McKenzie: Trump support reflects PA role, not Cabinet position
· The South African
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says his support for US President Donald Trump and ICE reflects his role as PA leader, not as a Cabinet minister.
According to IOL, McKenzie said immigration, border control, Home Affairs and foreign policy fall outside his ministerial responsibilities.
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“I have respected Cabinet discipline, and I do not speak on behalf of government on these issues,” he said.
Focus remains on Cabinet responsibilities
McKenzie said his work as a minister remains focused on his portfolio and the broader goals of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“Since joining the GNU as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, my focus remains firmly on delivering on my portfolio. I am also contributing constructively to the work of the GNU,” he said.
McKenzie said the Patriotic Alliance’s position on illegal immigration has not changed since entering government.
“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,” he said.
“We said Abahambe before we entered government, and we still say Abahambe today.”
McKenzie defends holding dual roles
While acknowledging the government’s broader position on immigration, McKenzie defended his right to hold firm party views alongside his Cabinet role.
“Being part of government does not mean abandoning the principles that earned us the trust and support of our voters,” he said.
“I will not sell our voters short or pretend that our views have softened simply because we now occupy seats in government.”
McKenzie said his support for Trump-era immigration policies stems from his belief in strict border enforcement.
“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,” he said.
He added that sovereign states have a duty to control their borders, enforce their laws and protect their citizens.
McKenzie said he holds his positions in government and within the PA “openly, honestly, and without apology”.