Gayton McKenzie
- Date of birth: 10 March 1974
- Place of birth: Heidedal, Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, South Africa (now Free State province)
- Nationality: South African
- Main activity: Politician (currently Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, and President of the Patriotic Alliance political party), businessman, motivational speaker, author.
Gayton McKenzie is a South African politician, businessman, motivational speaker, and author. He grew up in the Heidedal neighborhood of Bloemfontein. He came to prominence in the early 2000s for his role in a prison exposé, which led to his early release from prison. He has since transitioned from a life of crime to a successful career in business and politics.
Career
Gayton McKenzie spent eight years in jail for armed robbery. After his release, he became a businessman, motivational speaker, and author. His books, such as "The Choice: The Gayton McKenzie Story," detail his life experiences.
He has worked as a consultant in the mining industry and runs a diversified business with interests in several sectors. In 2013, he co-founded the Patriotic Alliance political party and has served as its president since. From 2022 to 2023, he served as the Executive Mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality.
In July 2024, Gayton McKenzie was appointed as the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in the Government of National Unity. He also serves as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa.
Children
Gayton McKenzie has eight children from six different women. He has three daughters and five sons. He has stated that all his children carry the McKenzie surname and he looks after all of them. Two of his daughters are with his former wife, Nicolette Joubert.
Family
Gayton McKenzie was married to Nicolette Joubert, an attorney, whom he married in 2003. They later divorced. He has stated that he is currently single.
