Gayton McKenzie Praises Johann Rupert for Defending South Africa During Trump-Ramaphosa Meeting
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has done a U-turn on his opinion of billionaire Johann Rupert, calling him a true patriot after Rupert defended South Africa during a tense Oval Office moment.
Ramaphosa’s Attempt at Unity Backfires in Washington
On Wednesday, 21 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. To help promote a message of racial unity in South Africa, Ramaphosa brought along two of the country’s most famous golfers, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen — both well-known white Afrikaners.
But instead of supporting Ramaphosa’s message, the golfers made comments that sparked controversy. When invited to speak in the Oval Office, Els reportedly said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right,” while Goosen mentioned that his family had to live behind electric fences on a farm, highlighting fears around crime rather than harmony.
Business tycoon Johann Rupert came to South Africa’s defence. He acknowledged that crime in the country affects everyone, not just white farmers. Rupert pointed to gang violence in the Cape Flats, an area with a large Coloured community, to show that all racial groups are suffering, not just one. His comments quickly gained attention online.
Also read: South Africans Slam President Cyril Ramaphosa Over Reported Starlink Deal With Elon Musk
Gayton McKenzie Praises Johann Rupert, SA Reacts
One of the more surprising reactions came from Gayton McKenzie, who admitted he had misjudged Rupert in the past. In a post, McKenzie applauded Rupert for standing up for the country, saying:
“Rupert is not who we think he is, he is a true Patriot. He loves this country and I wanna be the first to admit that I was wrong about him. He spoke up against killing on flats, he spoke against illegal foreigners but most importantly he stood up for South Africa. He is a gem.”
Rupert is not who we think he is, he is a true Patriot. He loves this country and I wanna be the first to admit that I was wrong about him. He spoke up against killing on flats, he spoke against illegal foreigners but most importantly he stood up for South Africa. He is a gem
pic.twitter.com/qlmBwnbfwt
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 21, 2025
McKenzie’s comments sparked plenty of debate. While some South Africans agreed with him and said Rupert had earned their respect, others were more sceptical, suggesting the billionaire was only defending South Africa to protect his business interests.
Here’s a snapshot of what people are saying online:
@costakonti1:
Ok, maybe you don’t get it. If USA sanctions SA his companies are f***ed. The end! You get it now?
@SirBrayneZA:
Yes, he did until he advocated for Starlink, he knows he had the BEE credentials of some sought; he knows how to get around it. He will partner with Elon and benefit billions. Starlink can only come through him. Now, would you say he has SA’s best interest at heart?
@yangamessi:
Protecting his assets at the same time.
@mursiwit:
I almost cried when that man spoke with that deep Afrikaans voice. He has earned my respect.
@j33624:
He gained my respect today. He’s a true Patriot.
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The post Gayton McKenzie Praises Johann Rupert for Defending South Africa During Trump-Ramaphosa Meeting appeared first on iHarare News.
