Weeks after claiming that “We can’t have Nigerians compete” on behalf of South Africa regarding pageant hopeful Chidimma Adetshina, Gayton McKenzie has defended gold medallist Udeme Okon.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated the sprinter – whose father is Nigerian – after he won the 400m race in the U20 World Championships in Lema, Peru.
GAYTON MCKENZIE DEFENDS GOLD MEDALLIST?
As he has done with all the South African contestants, Gayton McKenzie congratulated Udeme Okon for winning a gold medal at the U20 World Championships.
He tweeted: “Gold everywhere. Well don,e Udeme Okon, for your great victory in the men’s 400m final.”
However, one tweep decided to test the waters when they brought up Udeme’s mixed parentage – a Nigerian father and a South African mother.
“He’s from Nigeria, Minister,” @golide_tsh85753 tweeted.
Gayton – known for his phrase “Abahambe” and opinions on illegal foreigners – was quick to respond.
He tweeted about Udeme Okon: “He is a South African, legally here, didn’t steal anyone’s identity, he is not involved in nonsense and contributes positively to South Africa. he is our golden boy”.
While some accepted Gayton’s stance, others questioned the Patriotic Alliance leader’s reasoning.
@majazztic: “You’ve created a context in which anyone with a foreign name has to be scrutinised. Kenny Kunene said, ‘We want South African names’. Are you having a change of heart? Is this genuine or selective?”
@XUFFLER: “No investigation, just assumptions?”
@LandryMutombo: “How do you know this? Did you write to Home Affairs for an investigation into his parents? What about his grandparents?”
@bunye_sibiya: “Double standard, Mr Minister, Udeme Okon’s name and surname are not native to South Africa. The Chidimma thing and how y’all handled it will be a problem for a long time to come.”
@iluvmzansi2: “I’m starting to doubt your patriotism”