Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has confirmed he will step down as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture on Tuesday, marking a dramatic shift in South Africa’s coalition politics. The decision follows what McKenzie describes as a breakdown in trust and repeated acts of “political betrayal” by the African National Congress (ANC), particularly in Gauteng.
In a lengthy Facebook statement on Thursday, McKenzie detailed how tensions had been building over political appointments, service delivery failures, and what he called “disrespect” from ANC leaders.
The conflict first surfaced in Ekurhuleni, where the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) reportedly told the ANC they did not want the PA in the coalition. “We didn’t form part,” McKenzie explained.
In Johannesburg, the PA had initially been allocated two key portfolios — Human Settlements and Roads & Transport. However, the party later agreed to surrender the Human Settlements portfolio to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in a bid to strengthen the coalition.
“We were the only party willing to do that. We were left with one portfolio: Roads & Transport,” McKenzie said.
The situation escalated after PA deputy president Kenny Kunene resigned as MMC for Roads and Transport amid public criticism. McKenzie said the party voluntarily withdrew Kunene “to spare the coalition the agony of answering questions about someone who is not from their party.”
The PA then nominated Liam Jacobs as Kunene’s replacement, but the ANC’s Gauteng leadership, including Johannesburg mayor and ANC chairperson Dada Morero, rejected the appointment, citing a lack of experience. McKenzie disputed this reasoning.
“I had to point out how educated Liam is compared to people in the same position who have no matric,” McKenzie argued. “I also showed them that he already was an MP at a young age.”
McKenzie accused Morero of promising the Roads & Transport portfolio to the EFF, calling the ANC’s refusal to reinstate Kunene — even after he was cleared — further evidence that the coalition agreement was no longer respected.
The breaking point came during a recent water crisis in Westbury, Newclare, and Coronationville, where residents threatened to shut down the N1 in protest. McKenzie persuaded the community to hold a local picket instead, but police reportedly opened fire with rubber bullets.
According to McKenzie, Morero promised 16 water trucks but failed to deliver. “Another lie,” McKenzie said, adding that he had to arrange private water trucks for the community through a friend.
In response, the PA issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding the ANC reinstate Kunene. When the deadline passed without action, McKenzie announced that the party would withdraw from all coalition governments across South Africa.
“I shall also vacate my position as Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture on Tuesday together with all deployed leaders in local, provincial and national government,” he wrote. “We shall all go to the ground.”
McKenzie ended his statement with a parting shot at the ANC: “Never forget the biggest lesson here: you can remain to dine at a table when disrespect is on the menu. We opt to leave rather. Ons baiza nie. Salute.”
The move signals a new political chapter for the Patriotic Alliance, which is now positioning itself as an independent force ahead of future elections.
