The National Assembly witnessed a tense moment on Tuesday as Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament Eugene Mthethwa publicly accused Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie of dishonesty during a parliamentary debate.
Addressing the Minister directly, Mthethwa said, “So I’m saying, Minister, I put it to you that what you have done, what you are doing, it is not honest. Minister Gayton McKenzie, you are one person who quotes the Bible, and I want to tell you…” His comments, which drew murmurs from fellow MPs, highlighted ongoing scrutiny of McKenzie’s actions and statements in government.
The confrontation occurred during a debate over governance and accountability within the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, where issues of transparency and ethical conduct have been raised by opposition parties. The EFF has repeatedly called for more stringent oversight, arguing that public officials must uphold integrity in all dealings.
Minister McKenzie, known for his outspoken nature and frequent references to religious teachings in his speeches, responded calmly but firmly, defending his track record and reiterating his commitment to ethical leadership. McKenzie emphasized that his decisions are guided by both faith and public service obligations, asserting that he remains committed to delivering on his mandate despite political attacks.
This exchange comes amid broader tensions between the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties, with the EFF positioning itself as a watchdog over perceived governmental mismanagement. Observers note that the parliamentary session reflected the increasing intensity of political scrutiny faced by ministers whose actions are subject to both public and parliamentary review.
“So I’m saying minister I put it to you that what you have done, what you are doing it is not honest, Minister Gayton McKenzie you are one person who quotes the Bible and I want to tell you” EFF MP Eugene Mthethwa
“You don’t have questions, you just have insults, now you come… pic.twitter.com/EwfcjO446c
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) September 4, 2025
Political analysts have described the incident as indicative of the adversarial nature of South Africa’s current parliamentary environment, where opposition MPs actively challenge ministers on matters of governance, ethics, and policy execution. The debate is expected to continue, with calls from several quarters for more transparency and accountability in ministerial conduct.
While the exchange did not result in any formal motion against Minister McKenzie, it underscores the persistent tension between faith-based rhetoric and the political accountability expected from government officials. As the parliamentary calendar progresses, similar confrontations are anticipated, with the opposition remaining vigilant over ministers’ actions and public statements.
The incident has sparked discussions among political commentators, with many suggesting that the balance between personal belief systems and professional accountability will remain a key issue in South Africa’s political discourse.
