Newly elected Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton Mckenzie has shown excitement to take over from his predecessor, Zizi Kodwa.
Following the announcement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday evening, Mckenzie who was gunning for the Department of Home Affairs, seems to be warming up to his new position.
Reacting to his appointment on Sunday, Mckenzi took on to X to reveal some of his plans to give spinning (drag racing) a new face and make it an official sport.
“There is one promise I made. Spinning and stance are not crimes, you will see that I promise that spinning will be recognised.
“I will make spinning one of the biggest sports in this country. Stance is not a crime. Spinning will enter its rightful space,’’ said Mckenzi on a video posted on social media.
Spinning, which is a South African motorsport that involves speeding cars driving in circles on a racetrack while performing stunts, reportedly originates from Soweto.
It dates to the late 1980s where it was carried out by gangsters to show off stolen cars or honour their fallen leaders at funerals.
The negative stigma surrounding spinning slowly wore off in the early 1990s and it has since evolved as a legitimate sport with performers and spectators.
Motorsport South Africa now regulates and provides licences for spinning events.
Gayton’s post caused a stir on social media, with others embracing his ideas, while some felt there are other pressing issues that require his urgent attention.
@inobandras wrote “Not the point.
Sports and recreation must be a way of life in communities and supported by you Mr Minister.
Same as schools.
Car spinning?
“We are thinking about the development of sports from ground up and funded initiatives of various sports’’.
“As you promised, we will wait for you Minister,’’ @Mantasha1589333 commented.
“The Ministry remains confronted with numerous calls for transformative policies to be adopted, as artists demand for more support from the government.
“In addition, the incoming minister said under his leadership, “the department will not only focus its energy on congratulating creatives and sportsmen and women on their milestones but will also be active and implement innovative programmes.”
