“YOUR TIME IN SOUTH AFRICA IS RUNNING OUT FAST” – MINISTER GAYTON MCKENZIE TARGETS ZIMBABWEANS AGAIN
Sports minister Gayton McKenzie has once again found himself at odds with Zimbabweans on social media, after claiming that the country’s citizens that were in his country illegally were rejoicing at their misfortunes.
McKenzie, who has been accused of xenophobic sentiments in the past, made his comments as US president Donald Trump threatened to cut off aid to South Africa over perceived abuse of racial minorities and the recently signed Land Expropriation Bill.
South Africa is also coming fresh off a diplomatic tiff with Rwanda over its peacekeeping forces in the troubled Democratic Republic of Congo.
In his tweet McKenzie said Zimbabweans were on borrowed time in South Africa.
“Whenever South Africa is faced with a tragedy or bad news, the people celebrating are always these illegal foreigners particularly Zimbabweans. Your time in SA is running out fast. You hate us whilst staying illegally in our country.”
McKenzie’s sentiments were not met kindly by some influential Zimbabweans, who accused him of taking out his frustrations on them.
“This is grossly inaccurate,” wrote former opposition legislator Fadzai Mahere.
“What’s funny is that Zimbabweans are ever rooting for South Africa and wishing it the best – in all spheres. During the Rugby World Cup, Zimbabweans rooted for the Boks and were called “international orphans” for doing so.
“The hate is in your head and not borne out by the facts on the ground. Don’t speak for us. We can speak for ourselves. We have no issue with South Africa. May it succeed and be great. As a member of Cabinet, you ought to know better than to foment a non-existent war.”
Her sentiments were echoed by renowned playwright Raisedon Baya who wrote: “You are a dangerous person. Always gaslighting Zimbabweans.” *_-Nehanda Radio_*