Johannesburg – MP Vuyo Zungula, the Leader of the African Transformation Movement (ATM), has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to urge him to act against Minister Gayton McKenzie, who has been accused of links to drug cartels.
The sport, arts, and culture minister, who is the leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), denies any involvement in drug dealing as alleged by convicted fraudster Jermaine Prim.
However, MP Zungula, in his letter to the President, questions the suitability of Minister McKenzie to hold high office.
“Dear Mr. President, I write to you with the utmost urgency and with a profound sense of duty to the people of South Africa regarding the conduct of the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr. Gayton McKenzie,” wrote the ATM leader.
“Mr. President, I must ask plainly and with full conviction: Is this the Cabinet you present to the people of South Africa?”
MP Zungula stated that Minister McKenzie has repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of behaviour that is wholly incompatible with the high office he holds.
“From previous incidents involving racially offensive and divisive statements, to now facing extremely serious allegations linking him to organised drug syndicates, the situation has reached a level that cannot be ignored or downplayed,” wrote MP Zungula.
“This is not a matter of political debate; this is a matter of public safety, national integrity, and the moral authority of the state.”
The concerned MP stated that, when it comes to illicit drugs and their devastating effects on communities, South Africa was facing a crisis of unimaginable proportions.
“Minister McKenzie must be placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect, pending the outcome of an independent, comprehensive, and transparent investigation,” demanded MP Zungula.
“This is not a matter of political debate; this is a matter of public safety, national integrity, and the moral authority of the state. South Africa is facing a crisis of unimaginable proportions.
“Across our nation, drug cartels are running rampant. Communities are under siege.
“Families are being torn apart. Children are dying. Our people live in fear.
“And yet, one of the highest offices of the state is now occupied by a Minister who stands accused of involvement, directly or indirectly, with these very criminal networks.
“The implications are both shocking and unacceptable.
“To ignore these allegations would be a spit in the face of all South Africans whose families are grappling with the scourge of drugs.”
MPZungula suggested that the Madlanga Commission should, without delay, extend its scope to investigate thoroughly, collect evidence, and interrogate all relevant parties regarding the allegations against the Sport Minister.
The ATM leader added: “Every day that Minister McKenzie remains in office while these allegations persist is a day in which public confidence in government is eroded, communities are endangered, and the moral authority of your administration is undermined.”
For his part, Minister McKenzie has rejected the accusations made by Prim as false and has demanded that his accusers retract their claims or face legal action.
He said he didn’t know why eNCA resurrected decades-old allegations made against him.
“This is not a new thing that he said to eNCA. I don’t know what made eNCA bring up this thing again this year. So everybody thinks that this is a new allegation,” the PA leader said.
“This allegation has been coming from 2002.”
Refuting the damning allegation in a Facebook Live broadcast, at the weekend, the PA leader, who did time in prison in the 90’s for armed robbery, questioned Prim’s accusations, saying: “A person who has been in jail from 2013, or however long, knows what’s happening outside, and says I’m a drug dealer?
“I have never, even when I was rubbish; I never involved myself in this thing of drugs.
“I hate drugs with all my heart.
“Accuse me of anything, don’t accuse me of that.
“I was an armed robber. I robbed banks. I robbed institutions.”
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