SA minister Gayton responds to Marco Rubio’s G20 boycott
South African Minister of Arts, Sports, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, reacts to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to protest against South Africa.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced that he will not be attending the G20 summit in South Africa due to the country’s newly signed land expropriation bill.
Rubio took to X to express his stance, writing: “South Africa is doing very bad things. Expropriating private property. Using G20 to promote ‘solidarity, equality, & sustainability.’ In other words: DEI and climate change. My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism.”
In response, McKenzie urged the South African government to work on restoring ties with the U.S. government while emphasizing the importance of economic self-sufficiency.
“We should try by all means to restore ties with the U.S. government, but let us open our eyes and minds. Let’s make good use of our minerals and extract maximum benefit for our people. I see some call me an arse licker; as a leader of people, I would lick arse if it means keeping my people alive and in jobs,” he wrote.
However, McKenzie’s remarks sparked mixed reactions. While some supported his stance, others strongly disagreed.
One user on X criticized him, saying: “Please stop. This is embarrassing. You are acting as if our country has done something to warrant this disrespect & treatment. We have not! These are bullying tactics, and we should reject them with the contempt they deserve. The same energy you have for Africans in SA is the energy you should keep here.”
Another, however, praised McKenzie, commenting: “This is presidential. Thank you for having a sober take, Gayton.”
