Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, has renewed his commitment to finding missing child, Joshlin Smith, announcing the launch of a new foundation in her name aimed at supporting efforts to locate missing children, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The initiative was unveiled on Sunday at the Dial Rock Community Centre in Saldanha Bay, where family members of the missing girl gathered alongside community members. Joshlin’s father, grandmother and siblings attended the launch, marking two years since her disappearance shocked the country.
Joshlin disappeared from her home in Saldanha Bay in 2024. The case drew widespread attention across South Africa and internationally. Her mother and two other individuals were later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the crime, but the young girl has never been found.
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McKenzie, who leads the Patriotic Alliance, said the newly established Joshlin Smith Foundation will focus on assisting families of missing children and supporting search efforts. According to him, a team of qualified professionals will run the organisation, while he will remain involved mainly in an advisory capacity.
During the launch event, McKenzie revealed that he plans to meet with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia later this week. He intends to share what he believes is new information related to Joshlin’s disappearance.
McKenzie also stated that private investigators had been hired to continue probing the case. He suggested that new leads may have emerged and indicated that a former accused person in the matter may be willing to provide additional information.
Speaking to attendees, McKenzie criticised aspects of the original investigation and expressed frustration with how certain parts of the case were handled. He also directed criticism at some public officials, including former Western Cape Community Safety MEC Reagan Allen.
Beyond the search for Joshlin, McKenzie said the foundation will support her siblings by covering school fees and providing clothing. He also promised that the family would receive further assistance through the initiative.
In addition, plans were announced to establish a sports centre at Joshlin’s former school, aimed at creating opportunities for local children in the community.
Despite the convictions in the case, McKenzie maintained that the search for Joshlin must continue, saying the foundation represents a renewed effort to find answers and keep her story alive.
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Picture: Facebook
