By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mckenzie, has been swirling in controversy over his support for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), comments which have caused the Presidency to distance itself from Mckenzie’s comments.
Mckenzie expressed that he is in support of the approach that United States President Donald Trump has taken in regards to handling immigration. In an interview with SportsBoom, Mckenzie expressed his support for ICE saying “Viva ICE!” in the interview.
“I agree with ICE…we must do the same here with what they’re doing there. I cannot criticize something that I want in my own country” said Mckenzie, further elaborating his views.
Mckenzie is also of the opinion that South Africa should not boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be hosted jointly in the United States and Mexico in June.
“If you want to go to the World Cup and you have a visa, what problems do you have? If you go through the proper processes of attaining a visa, you will be fine. I won’t be politically correct-Viva ICE! I agree with Donald Trump” said Mckenzie in the interview.
Mckenzie has also shown disparity over people opting to boycott the World Cup and has even stated that they “are suffering from cow disease” and has also warned that South Africa may face some repercussions if they choose to boycott the tournament.
ICE has been heavily criticised after four detainees have died in custody this year. These comments come after it was discovered that ICE had also detained a South African due to them being in the US illegally.
The Presidency has expressed that Mckenzie’s statements and views are not reflective of the South African government but more of his stance as a political party leader. Mckenzie’s views on immigration have been at the forefront of his views even when campaigning in the national elections in 2024, and is firm with his stance on anti-immigration.
He added that he believes that South Africa can win the World Cup. “There is no country like South Africa, and I definitely think we will win the World Cup. You may look at stats and all that, but that’s not how football works. I go with my heart-we will win.” he said