JOHANNESBURG – Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture and president of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) party, is making waves both at home and abroad for his unapologetic support of Israel and his bold remarks in defense of Jewish people.

In a recent televised exchange, McKenzie was asked whether he supports a free and sovereign Palestine. Rather than sidestep the question, he delivered a fiery response that drew applause from pro-Israel circles and outrage from others.

“I think they lied when they said ‘white men can’t dance,’” McKenzie quipped, referring to his opponent. “John has been dancing around this question. Let me answer it directly. Number one: There is no genocide in Gaza. Number two: If I were president of this country and Lesotho came here, took hostages and children, I would bomb Lesotho. And if they wanted peace, they would have to return the hostages.”

McKenzie went on to say that, if elected president of South Africa, he would withdraw the nation’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ — a case brought forward by the South African government alleging genocide against Palestinians in Gaza).

He further emphasized the Jewish community’s positive impact on his own life, stating that Jewish people have helped both his family and his country during difficult times.

McKenzie is the outspoken leader of the Patriotic Alliance, a South African political party founded in 2013. The PA positions itself as a voice for disenfranchised communities, especially in the coloured population of South Africa, and emphasizes law and order, economic empowerment, and strong national values. Unlike many South African political parties, the PA has taken a clear pro-Israel stance — a rarity in a country whose ruling party has been vocally critical of Israel on the world stage.

McKenzie’s remarks stand in stark contrast to the current South African government, which has openly supported the Palestinian cause and recently pushed for international legal action against Israel. His comments have ignited intense debate and could signal a shifting political tide ahead of the country’s next election.