Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, respondes defiantly to Defence Minister Thandi Modise’s criticism of the party’s involvement in patrolling the country’s borders

Patriotic Alliance Responds to Defence Minister’s Criticism on Border Patrol

Defence Minister’s Disapproval

Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, responded defiantly to Defence Minister Thandi Modise’s criticism of the party’s involvement in patrolling the country’s borders.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Minister Modise asserted that it is illegal for citizens to take on border patrol duties, emphasizing that such responsibilities should be left to the police, Border Management Authority, and the South African National Defence Force.

Patriotic Alliance’s Ongoing Border Patrol

Undeterred by the Minister’s disapproval, the Patriotic Alliance persisted in its week-long efforts to patrol weakened border areas, particularly near Beit Bridge, such as the Limpopo River.

The party successfully turned away a significant number of illegal immigrants attempting to enter South Africa.

Challenges and Defiance

Gayton McKenzie, in response to Minister Modise’s criticism, openly acknowledged the pressure exerted by the Zimbabwean government and the cigarette mafia.

However, he boldly declared, “You can arrest a few of us, Minister; you will never be able to arrest all of us.

This country doesn’t belong to you but to South Africans, and we will fight for South Africa.”

Lack of Security and Counterargument

McKenzie countered the criticism by pointing out what he perceives as a lack of security at the country’s borders.

He suggested that Johannesburg’s economic hub, Sandton, enjoys possibly more security than the porous national borders.

In a previous statement, he had expressed concern, stating that “the country is naked” in terms of border security.

Government Intervention and Promises

As tensions escalated, the Head of Public Diplomacy at the Department of International Relations, Clayton Monyela, intervened, assuring that Border Management would intensify patrols along the river.

Monyela communicated that he had contacted the Border Management Authority (BMA), and they assured him of their awareness of the situation, promising increased deployment of guards supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in vulnerable areas along the Beitbridge border.