Book smart or street smart? Gayton qualification's revealed
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.
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)'. What are Minister Gayton McKenzie's academic qualifications? Images via Facebook: Mckenzie.Gayton
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'.
The Patriotic Alliance stand for all races Representation matters, we wanna see all races being treated equally and fairly.Posted by Gayton Mckenzie on Tuesday 24 June 2025
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