Minister Gayton McKenzie Vows Immediate Resignation Over Potential Suspension Amid Denied Drug Cartel Allegations

Gayton McKenzie says he will resign if suspended by President Ramaphosa. The PA leader denies drug cartel allegations and shifts focus to 2026 elections.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 5:26 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL

Ministerial Tenure Tied to Presidential Trust and Personal Honor

Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has made a definitive stance regarding his future in the Government of National Unity, asserting that his role is a matter of service rather than professional necessity. Speaking at the launch of the Cultural and Creative Industries on Monday, the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture clarified that he serves solely at the pleasure of President Cyril Ramaphosa. He emphasized that should the President decide to recall or temporarily suspend him, he would exit the office with gratitude and respect rather than resistance.

Refutation of Inmate Allegations and Criminal Network Links

The Minister’s comments come as a response to resurfaced claims made by Jermaine Prim, an incarcerated individual who has alleged ties between McKenzie and various criminal underworld figures. McKenzie has characterized these accusations as entirely meritless, questioning the lack of physical evidence or credible witnesses to support claims of drug dealing. He maintained that his interactions with Prim were limited to digital communication and ended abruptly after female members of his party reported being harassed and threatened by the inmate.

Strategic Shift Toward Local Government Electoral Campaigning

Should a suspension occur, McKenzie indicated that he would not contest the decision but would instead pivot his energy toward the 2026 local government elections. He argued that his political identity is not tethered to his current portfolio, noting that he possesses a career independent of his ministerial salary. This approach seeks to frame his potential departure not as a fall from grace, but as a strategic return to grassroots organizing and campaigning for his party’s interests across the country.