A heated online exchange erupted between Gayton, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, and Sihle, an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP.
The spat began when Sihle took to his X (previously Twitter) account to criticize Gayton’s Patriotic Alliance (PA) for not taking action on the issue of illegal foreigners in the country.
Sihle accused Gayton of hypocrisy, saying that despite campaigning on a platform of deporting illegal immigrants, the PA had not proposed any legislation on the matter. Sihle also took a jab at Gayton’s ministerial perks, saying he enjoyed the benefits of having a security detail accompanying him.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) does not care about illegal foreigners. NEVER let them LIE to you. Its Leader, Gayton Mackenzie, is now a Minister.
He has NEVER proposed a single legislation on the subject. Not even a Private Member’s Bill as a MP.
He is just enjoying blue lights!
— Sihle Lonzi (@SihleLonzi) June 5, 2025
Gayton fired back at Sihle with a witty response, labeling him the “Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi from Temu.” Gayton’s remark was a clear attempt to provoke Sihle, who responded by calling Gayton an “illiterate minister” who struggled to put together a coherent sentence.
Uthini wena Temu Ndlozi? Start by telling us, do you even care? https://t.co/IWiWBujvjR
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) June 8, 2025
The exchange escalated, with Sihle accusing Gayton of avoiding his parliamentary duties. This comes after Gayton was recently slammed for his poor attendance record in Parliament committee meetings.
The criticism of Gayton’s stance on immigration is rooted in the PA’s campaign message before the 2024 general elections. Gayton’s call for the deportation of illegal foreigners was met with controversy, with some accusing him of promoting Afrophobia. Former president Thabo Mbeki even weighed in, saying Gayton’s rhetoric was divisive.
Imagine being called names by an illiterate Minister who cannot even put a single sentence together.
You must stop running away from Parliament committee meetings.
I will take you to the cleaners.
You will think you are being arrested again. Government is not a numbers gang. https://t.co/NfGO9VnToB
— Sihle Lonzi (@SihleLonzi) June 8, 2025
The EFF’s immigration stance also faced criticism during the campaign season, with some speculating that the party’s stance on open borders contributed to their decreased vote share. The party received 9% of the votes in the elections, prompting some to call for a rethink on their immigration policy.
The online spat between Gayton and Sihle highlights the ongoing debate around immigration in South Africa. Both parties have strong views on the matter, and it remains to be seen how their stances will shape policy in the future.
Also see: WSU student shooter granted bail: Sihle Lonzi wants justice
