Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has alleged he intervened to stop death threats against the hosts of the now-cancelled Open Chats Podcast. The Patriotic Alliance leader made the claim during an appearance on The Konvo Show with Penuel Mlotshwa, following backlash over the podcast’s controversial remarks about coloured communities.
McKenzie, a former gangster turned politician, stated: “These kids don’t realize some people take matters into their own hands. I received calls asking for their addresses, but I stopped it.” He provided no evidence to support his claim about intercepted threats.
The minister also addressed resurfaced racist tweets from his past, including use of the K-word, defending one post as quoting Gandhi. “Who has actually been victimized by me?” he challenged critics.
The podcast was removed from DStv after McKenzie initially called for consequences against the hosts, whom he accused of harmful stereotyping.
In a separate reflection on his criminal past, McKenzie detailed his gang involvement from age 13, prison time for armed robbery, and rise in the notorious 28s gang before reforming. After his 2003 release, he became a businessman and founded the Patriotic Alliance in 2013.
The allegations come amid ongoing scrutiny of McKenzie’s controversial history and current political role. Authorities have not confirmed any investigation into the alleged threats.