Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance, recently found himself at the center of controversy following serious accusations that his party spiked the drinks of prospective voters during a by-election in Nelson Mandela Bay.

These claims were made by a Democratic Alliance representative and have sparked widespread debate and political tension.

The dispute arose amid a fiercely contested race for governance of Ward 34 in Nelson Mandela Bay, where the Democratic Alliance ultimately secured victory.

However, the process was clouded by allegations that the Patriotic Alliance attempted to influence voters through unethical means, including bribery and tampering with voters’ drinks.

The controversy began when Georgina Feldtman, a representative of the Democratic Alliance, publicly accused the Patriotic Alliance of trying to bribe voters with cash at the polling station.

She also claimed that voters were given instructions on how to mark their ballot papers in favor of the Patriotic Alliance.

Most sensationally, she alleged that the party had “spiked” water bottles given to voters with gin, implying an attempt to impair their judgment or influence their decisions through intoxication.

These serious accusations raised concerns about the integrity of the election and the conduct of the parties involved.

Gayton McKenzie responded swiftly and forcefully to these allegations.

Taking to Facebook, he dismissed the claims with a blunt and somewhat humorous rebuttal, suggesting that the accuser must have been mistaken or exaggerating.

He wrote that the representative “not only tasted the gin but drank the whole bottles out before she spoke s**t,” effectively ridiculing the idea that the Patriotic Alliance would engage in such behavior.

This response highlighted McKenzie’s combative style and his refusal to allow what he viewed as baseless accusations to go unchallenged.

The dispute did not end there.

McKenzie also accused the Democratic Alliance of spreading misinformation about him through a viral image that mistakenly linked him to a notorious murder suspect.

The image showed McKenzie alongside the Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene and another man who was erroneously identified as Katiso Molefe, an alleged murder mastermind arrested in July 2025 for ordering a hit on Oupa John Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody.

This viral image caused confusion and damage to McKenzie’s reputation, prompting him to publicly accuse the Democratic Alliance of deliberately disseminating fake pictures to tarnish his image.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, McKenzie thanked his supporters and stated that the Democratic Alliance was delivering fake pictures of him with murder suspects to every house, but that his people knew he would not lie to them.

He also suggested that the Western Cape was no longer a guaranteed stronghold for the Democratic Alliance due to shifting political dynamics.

The allegations and counter-allegations took place in the context of a by-election in Nelson Mandela Bay, a key battleground in South African politics.

The contest for Ward 34 was particularly intense, with the Democratic Alliance and Patriotic Alliance vying for control.

The Democratic Alliance ultimately won the ward, but the election was marked by heightened tensions and accusations of misconduct.

By-elections often serve as a litmus test for political parties, indicating their strength and support in specific regions.

For the Patriotic Alliance, a relatively new and smaller party compared to the Democratic Alliance, the contest represented an opportunity to expand its influence.

For the Democratic Alliance, maintaining control was critical to preserving its political dominance in the region.

The accusations of bribery and drink-spiking must therefore be understood against this backdrop of fierce competition, where parties are eager to gain any advantage and quick to challenge each other’s legitimacy.

Social media played a significant role in this political dispute.

Platforms such as Facebook, X, and WhatsApp have become important arenas where politicians communicate directly with voters, respond to criticism, and shape public narratives.

While social media allows greater engagement and transparency, it also facilitates the rapid spread of unverified claims and misinformation.

The viral image misidentifying McKenzie with a murder suspect exemplifies how misinformation can damage reputations and escalate political conflicts.

McKenzie’s direct engagement with these issues on social media reflects a broader trend of politicians using these platforms to manage their public image and counter negative stories.

However, this raises questions about the responsibility of political actors to ensure their communications are truthful and constructive.

The allegations of voter bribery and drink-spiking, whether true or false, are deeply concerning because they touch on the integrity of South Africa’s democratic processes.

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any democracy, and any attempt to manipulate voters undermines public trust in the system.

If such claims are proven, they could lead to legal consequences and calls for electoral reform.

Conversely, if the allegations are unfounded, they represent a dangerous use of misinformation to discredit political opponents and unfairly influence voter perceptions.

The ongoing dispute between the Patriotic Alliance and Democratic Alliance serves as a reminder of the challenges facing South Africa’s democracy, including political polarization, the spread of misinformation, and the need for vigilance in protecting electoral integrity.

The controversy has sparked significant public interest, with many South Africans weighing in on social media and news platforms.

Supporters of the Patriotic Alliance have rallied behind Gayton McKenzie, praising his forthright responses and accusing the Democratic Alliance of engaging in dirty politics.

Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance supporters maintain their accusations, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in elections.

The debate has also prompted broader discussions about the conduct of political parties and the ethical standards expected of them.

Looking ahead, both parties will continue to compete vigorously, not only in Nelson Mandela Bay but across South Africa.

The outcomes of these contests will shape the country’s political landscape and influence governance and policy directions.

As the political battle intensifies, voters face critical choices.

The Patriotic Alliance, led by Gayton McKenzie, presents itself as a fresh alternative to established parties, promising to address issues of corruption and inequality.

The Democratic Alliance, meanwhile, positions itself as a defender of good governance and democratic values.

South Africans are encouraged to engage thoughtfully in the democratic process and hold all parties accountable for their actions.

Public participation, informed debate, and vigilance against misinformation are essential to ensuring that elections reflect the true will of the people.

In conclusion, the recent allegations against the Patriotic Alliance regarding spiking voters’ drinks and bribery attempts have ignited a fierce political dispute in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Gayton McKenzie’s robust denial and counter-accusations against the Democratic Alliance underscore the intense rivalry between these parties.

This episode highlights the challenges facing South African democracy, including the risks posed by misinformation and the importance of maintaining electoral integrity.

As the country approaches future elections, the need for transparency, accountability, and respectful political engagement has never been greater.

Ultimately, the voters of South Africa hold the power to shape their nation’s future through informed choices and active participation in the democratic process.