News
‘I Don’t Listen to Julius Malema,’ Gayton McKenzie Rejects Parliamentary Call
South African politics rarely misses an opportunity for drama, and this weekend was no exception. Patriotic Alliance leader and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has openly refused to heed a call from Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema to testify before a parliamentary inquiry, saying bluntly: “I don’t listen to Julius Malema.”
The Background
The rejection comes amid Parliament’s ad hoc committee hearings into allegations of political interference in policing and links to criminal syndicates. The inquiry follows explosive claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is set to testify again in early October.
During a virtual sitting on Friday, political parties added names they believed should be summoned. Malema’s list was ambitious, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, senior police officials and McKenzie himself. Malema argued that McKenzie had previously indicated he had information about criminal networks and should therefore appear under oath.
McKenzie Hits Back
Speaking at a Robben Island Former Political Prisoners Union gathering on Saturday, McKenzie dismissed the suggestion outright. His stance was clear: he would not allow Malema to dictate his actions or claim credit for dragging him to Parliament.
“What I will say is, the mouthpiece, the spokesperson of the PA, will go and give a statement, because I was speaking on behalf of the Patriotic Alliance,” he said.
McKenzie went further, accusing Malema of using the committee as a platform for political theatre. “I don’t want Julius to get credit that he brought me there. He must forget about mentioning the PA. He must go to the dying party of his that’s in ICU,” McKenzie added, in typically fiery style.
Political Undertones
This exchange underscores the fractious rivalry between the Patriotic Alliance and the EFF. Both parties compete for influence among disillusioned voters, but their leaders often clash in public, using sharp words to draw political lines.
McKenzie’s refusal is less about the committee itself and more about denying Malema the narrative. By sending a PA spokesperson instead, McKenzie appears to be walking a fine line: distancing himself from Malema’s demands while ensuring his party’s voice is not absent from proceedings.
What Lies Ahead
The ad hoc committee’s work continues, with Mkhwanazi scheduled to testify on 7 and 8 October. His earlier appearance before the Madlanga Commission in Pretoria from 17 to 19 September revealed startling allegations of corruption within law enforcement, setting the stage for further revelations.
Whether McKenzie eventually faces direct questioning remains uncertain. What is clear is that the clash between him and Malema has added yet another layer of spectacle to an already heated parliamentary inquiry.
Also read: R2 Billion Looted: SIU Exposes Corruption at Tembisa Hospital
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: ActionSA
