Book smart or street smart? Gayton qualification’s revealed

From reformed convict to cabinet: What qualifications does Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie have?

Gayton McKenzie’s rise from criminal to cabinet has been well documented. Like other ministers and MPs, the outspoken political leader’s qualifications have been questioned and scrutinised by the public.

The 51-year-old was sworn in as Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture in the Government of National Unity (GNU) last year.

GAYTON MCKENZIE: WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DOES HE HAVE?
Like his past life of crime, Gayton McKenzie has been open and transparent about his lack of a post-matric qualification.

In 2022, he tweeted: “I have no problem being asked for my ID or where I am from. I was born in Pelenomi Hospital, and attended Olympia Primary School and Heatherdale Secondary School, all in Bloemfontein.”

Gayton does, however, have multiple business interests and investments in various fields, including nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, and events venues, logistics and transport, imports, energy, mining, and farming. He jokingly added: “I obtained a PHD ( Passed High School with Difficulty)”.

minister, gαyton mckenzie
What are Minister Gayton McKenzie’s academic qualifications? Images via Facebook: Mckenzie.Gayton

‘STAND FOR ALL RACES’
While Gayton McKenzie has been accused of promoting the interests of coloured people, he has insisted that his political party, the Patriotic Alliance, represents all South Africans.

Responding to public criticism this week, he posted on Facebook: “The Patriotic Alliance stands for all races.

“Representation matters, we wanna see all races being treated equally and fairly”.