“Bring Back the Death Penalty”
By Thabo Mosia
GQEBERHA – The Patriotic Alliance (PA) launched its 2026 municipal election campaign with a massive rally at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, 17 May 2025. Thousands of supporters gathered to hear party leader Gayton McKenzie deliver a fiery speech calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty and a crackdown on illegal immigration. 
McKenzie, who also serves as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in the Government of National Unity (GNU), addressed the crowd, stating: 
“Let us bring back the death penalty. If you kill, we must kill you.”
He emphasized the need for harsher punishments to combat the rising crime rates in South Africa.
A Decade of Growth
Reflecting on the PA’s journey, McKenzie recounted: 
“Twelve years ago, we had our first meeting with 34 people. Today, look at what God is doing—we’ve got thousands and thousands of people here.”
He praised the dedication of supporters who traveled long distances to attend the rally, including a group that cycled from the Western Cape.
Targeting the Eastern Cape
The PA currently holds two seats in the Nelson Mandela Bay Council. McKenzie declared the party’s intention to expand its influence in the Eastern Cape, traditionally an ANC stronghold:
“The ANC has been winning the Eastern Cape with no competition. Today is a declaration of war. We are taking them on in their own backyard.”
He criticized the state of local infrastructure, citing potholes and general disrepair, and announced that PA councillors had resigned from the council to prepare for a full takeover in 2026.
Immigration and National Identity
Addressing the issue of illegal immigration, McKenzie stated:
“We want every illegal foreigner to go home. South Africa belongs to the people.”
He argued that illegal immigrants are taking jobs and contributing to crime, asserting that the PA’s stance is about responsibility, not xenophobia.
McKenzie also called for unity among South Africans of all races:
“Let us build this country not as black, not as white, not as Indian, not as coloured, but let us build this country under the banner of us being South Africans.”
International Relations and Faith
The PA leader addressed criticisms regarding the party’s position on international issues, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict. He clarified that the PA is not against Palestinians but opposes terrorist organizations like Hamas.
“The PA has never stood with terrorists. We will never stand with terrorists.”
McKenzie announced plans to send PA members to Israel to learn about water management solutions, emphasizing the party’s commitment to practical solutions over political posturing.
He also advocated for the reintroduction of religious education in schools:
“I shall bring God back into all the schools in South Africa.”
Looking Ahead
Concluding his speech, McKenzie expressed his ambition for the PA’s future:
“In 2029, we will take over. We shall rise.”
He encouraged supporters to actively participate in building the party’s presence in their communities, stating:
“When you come to your area and say there’s no PA here, you are there. You are the mayor already. You are the councillor already.”
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