Fireworks are anticipated as charismatic Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie takes the helm as the new minister of sports, arts and culture, igniting hopes and controversies in equal measure.
Also read: New spinning pitch unveiled as city aims for safer roads
According to IOL, fireworks might fizzle out into tyre smoke after Gayton McKenzie revealed on Sunday his ambition to make ‘spinning the biggest sport in the country.’
On Sunday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa finally revealed his new cabinet, announcing Gayton McKenzie as the new minister of sports, arts, and culture.
Originating in the townships as a ritual to honour fallen gangsters during the apartheid era, tyre spinning has since evolved into a beloved motorsport across South Africa, however it still carries a reputation for being dangerous and legally prohibited.
Spinning remains a niche sport with limited designated tracks nationwide where enthusiasts can gather to burn rubber.
However, McKenzie aims to democratise the sport by creating safe community environments for spinners, believing it will steer youth away from gangsterism and drug use.
@mrflamesa Gayton Mckenzie – Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture #patrioticalliance #gaytonmckenzie @Gayton @Gayton @Meshé Habana @DIEGO @Denivan koopman ♬ original sound – ?? ? ? ? ?™
‘There is one promise I’m going to make … spinning and stance [the extreme lowering of cars] is not a crime. I’m so excited, because I promised that spinning will be recognised and I’m going to make spinning one of the biggest sports in this country,’ McKenzie said during a live Facebook post.
‘People say these things before you vote for them, but now I’m in a position.’
‘The spinners will be recognised. Our children … when there is a spinning event in Mitchells Plain, it has been proven that there are zero incidents of shooting. When a boy has an interest in cars, he doesn’t have time for drugs. He just worries about his car.’
‘You guys have been treated like dogs. Those days are over. We are going to have massive competitions with big prize money.’
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Picture: Laird Forbes / Gallo Images
