Gayton McKenzie Makes Bold Claims Amid ‘Open Chats Podcast’ Controversy, SA Stunned

Gayton McKenzie Makes Bold Claims Amid ‘Open Chats Podcast’ Controversy, SA Stunned

  • Gayton McKenzie is trending after making some explosive claims during an interview
  • The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture revealed that there are individuals who wanted to harm the Open Chats Podcast hosts after their controversial and discriminatory comments
  • Of course, this statement raised eyebrows as South Africans debated whether McKenzie had criminal connections
Gayton McKenzie addressed the 'Open Chats Podcast' backlash
Gayton McKenzie claims there was a plot to harm the ‘Open Chats Podcast’ hosts. Image: OJ Koloti/Gallo Images via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

Gayton McKenzie stated that he saved the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast from potential harm.

During his appearance on The Konvo Show with Penuel Mlotshwa on 13 August 2025, the Minister revealed that the podcasters' foul comments about the coloured community ruffled some feathers:

"This is deeper than what transpired between us and them. These kids don't know that in every race, there are people who take things out of hand."

McKenzie, a former gang boss and convicted criminal, claims that some very dangerous individuals wanted to 'take care' of the podcasters, but he helped defuse the situation:

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"People didn't see when someone asked for their address or where they go. I was the one who called those people and said, 'Don't do that, I'm handling this.' But people don't see that. Those kids don't know who they're messing with."
Gayton McKenzie claims he saved the 'Open Chats Podcast' hosts
Gayton McKenzie revealed that the 'Open Chats Podcast' hosts were in danger. Image: GaytonMcK
Source: Twitter

This follows the Open Chats Podcast hosts' claims about inbreeding within the coloured community; comments sparked outrage throughout the country.

Gayton McKenzie, who is of mixed-race descent, has been at the forefront of the controversy, speaking on behalf of his community and addressing stereotypes against coloured people. However, his stance has sparked backlash.

He is currently facing racism allegations after social media users discovered his old Twitter (X) posts bashing black South Africans and repeatedly using derogatory language from the Apartheid era.

While many South Africans continue to call for his dismissal, others are raising concerns about his alleged connections to the criminal underworld.

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Here's what South Africans had to say

Social media users are shocked by the Minister's supposed associations with criminals:

GardeeGodrich said:

"He was called by people who wanted to harm the kids & he told them, 'No, do not do it, I am handling this.' He is in contact with criminals who want to harm the kids, and he did not inform the police. He is complicit in the crime that will be committed against the kids."

IamBonkosi_SA wrote:

"Publicly admitting that you’re associated with dangerous people as a public figure who holds high office in our government??? Ohhh, Mmuso wamabhantinti."

Unathi____ added:

"Thanks, Gayton, for letting us know who to ask first if anything happens to them."
Social media users slammed Gayton McKenzie
South Africans are concerned about Gayton McKenzie's supposed ties with criminals. Image: Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

uShozi responded:

"A 'former' gang leader, convicted criminal and elected official admitting to still being in contact with gang members threatening kids."

radselflerato posted:

"A minister knowing about people conspiring to murder, and he just talks about it openly like it is normal??? Sad times indeed."

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TumiZwane18 responded:

"A criminal will ALWAYS be a criminal."

Sizwe Dhlomo fires shots at Gayton McKenzie

In more Gayton McKenzie updates, Briefly News shared Sizwe Dhlomo's reaction to the Minister's statement about the coloured community.

McKenzie claims his people were being unfairly treated, and Sizwe slammed his statement with a cheeky comment.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Moroba Moroeng avatar

Moroba Moroeng (Entertainment editor) Moroba Moroeng is an entertainment writer at Briefly News and a University of Johannesburg alumni (Public Relations and Communications, 2018). She was the content manager and, later, editor for HipHop Africa, where she honed her proofreading, leadership, and content management skills. Having begun her career as a content writer for Slikour OnLife, Moroba has over four years of experience as a writer specialising in music journalism and entertainment. She joined Briefly News in 2023 and passed a set of training courses by the Google News Initiative. Email: moroba.moroeng@briefly.co.za