PA's McKenzie says there's nothing wrong with joining GNU for influential positions

CAPE TOWN - Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie said there is nothing wrong with political parties that joined the Government of National Unity (GNU) for positions of power.

McKenzie made those remarks shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) in Cape Town on Thursday.

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McKenzie admitted to Eyewitness News the PA joined the GNU to hold influential government positions.

While some political parties in the GNU claimed they were not in government for influential positions, McKenzie said otherwise.

McKenzie said his party aims to create a significant impact on society, implying that holding influential government positions will help accomplish this goal.

“I'm in politics for power. You are too used to politicians [who] lie to you. I'm in politics for power, make no mistake. I’m here for power, unashamedly - that’s why I’m here.”

Prior to McKenzie’s appointment as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, he threatened to withdraw from the GNU if he was excluded from Cabinet.