Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has demonstrated his dedication to South Africa through actions that transcend financial incentives. On Wednesday afternoon, McKenzie shared another reason for his decision to forego a ministerial salary during the Nelson Mandela Memorial Lecture and Dialogue at Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum in Pretoria.
McKenzie: A tribute to Mandela’s legacy
During his speech, McKenzie emphasised his deep sense of gratitude and commitment to serving South Africa.
“People don’t understand why I don’t take a salary as a minister. I owe this country so much that for me, it’s an absolute pleasure just to serve. People have forgiven me because Nelson Mandela taught us forgiveness. I am the product of the kindness of strangers. I am what I am because of a man named Nelson Mandela. He is our north star, the best thing that ever happened to us,” McKenzie expressed.
He urged attendees to rekindle the spirit of Mandela within themselves, highlighting the importance of staying true to the values that Mandela embodied.
A salary donated to a worthy cause
In a prior announcement, McKenzie declared that he would donate his entire parliamentary salary to the Joshlin Smith Foundation, which aids missing children. As the leader of the Patriotic Alliance, McKenzie’s commitment spans the next five years, during which he would have earned R2.68 million annually as a minister. Instead, these funds will support the foundation’s crucial work. McKenzie’s salary as an ordinary member of parliament would have been R1.27 million.
According to IOL, McKenzie said he was not in it for the money; his goal was to change people’s lives.
A call to collective action
McKenzie’s message extends beyond his personal sacrifice. He aims to inspire others to contribute to the greater good. “One hundred percent of my salary I’m giving to the Joshlin Smith Foundation for missing children for the duration of my stay in Parliament. I’m not here for money; I’m here to change the lives of our people,” he reiterated.
McKenzie encouraged citizens to engage in their communities and uphold Mandela’s enduring legacy of compassion and forgiveness.
What steps can we take in our own lives to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy and contribute to the betterment of our communities?
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