YouTuber Penuel Says Gayton McKenzie ‘Scammed’ PA Voters Over GNU Support
Popular South African YouTuber and podcaster Penuel Mlotshwa, known as Penuel The Black Pen, has publicly accused Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie of scamming voters who supported the party in the 2024 national elections. In a raw and emotional video released this week, Penuel said McKenzie’s strong defence of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of National Unity (GNU) feels like a complete betrayal of everything the PA stood for before the elections.
Penuel, who openly voted for the PA nationally in 2024, posted a detailed thread on X (formerly Twitter) on 16 February 2026 titled “How I Got Scammed by Gayton McKenzie”. He later read the full thread on camera, explaining why he now refuses to vote for the party again.
Why Penuel Once Supported Gayton McKenzie
Penuel made it clear he was once a big admirer of McKenzie. He first heard about him when the PA leader visited schools promoting his book about life before, during and after prison. Years later, Penuel met McKenzie at his restaurant in Sandton, read his book The Hustlers Bible, and was offered a job on the spot.
“I was thoroughly impressed by Gayton,” Penuel said. “He was raw, brutally honest, and a seemingly South African version of a coloured Donald Trump.”
Penuel liked McKenzie’s tough stance on illegal immigration (#Abahambe), his promise of the death penalty, and his success story as an ex-convict who built businesses in security, mining, nightclubs and more. When the PA was formed, Penuel saw it as the strong voice coloured communities had been waiting for.
In the 2024 elections, Penuel voted PA nationally and Build One South Africa (BOSA) provincially. The PA won nine seats in Parliament, and McKenzie became a minister in the GNU.
The ‘Scam’ – From Anti-ANC Firebrand to GNU Cheerleader
Penuel said everything changed after the GNU was formed. McKenzie, who once attacked the ANC and DA harshly, became one of the loudest defenders of President Ramaphosa and the coalition.
During the recent SONA debate on 17-18 February 2026, McKenzie praised Ramaphosa’s speech as one of the best ever and welcomed the deployment of the army to the Eastern Cape. Penuel was triggered when he saw McKenzie telling critics: “Go to your boss and tell them where to get off.”
“But Cyril is not your boss,” Penuel fired back in his video. “He is meant to be a democratically elected president… The bosses of politicians are the voters.”
Penuel feels voters who wanted the ANC out of power were tricked. By joining the GNU and defending it, McKenzie helped keep Ramaphosa in office and gave the ANC continued influence. He compared it to DA voters feeling betrayed when their party accepted policies like the NHI and expropriation without compensation.
“I thought the PA would push hard against the ANC,” Penuel said. “Instead, Gayton became a protector of ANC power.”
He also noted McKenzie went quiet on #Abahambe, started getting along with the DA, and focused on being a “face of the GNU”.
Penuel Still Respects the Man, But Not the Politician
Despite the disappointment, Penuel was careful not to attack McKenzie personally. “I still love Gayton as a person, as a business mogul. G is a G and he’s phenomenal,” he said. “His resume speaks for itself.”
But he added: “He’s become just another politician. And I don’t like nor support politicians generally.”
Penuel said he will not vote for the PA in the upcoming 2026 local government elections. He praised parties like ActionSA and BOSA for staying out of the GNU and keeping their independence.
What This Means for the Patriotic Alliance
The PA has been one of the fastest-growing parties, especially among coloured voters who felt ignored by the DA. McKenzie has used his ministerial position to stay highly visible, but criticism is growing from within his own support base.
In recent months, the PA has threatened to leave the GNU several times, including over perceived disrespect to deputy leader Kenny Kunene. However, it remains part of the coalition.
Penuel’s video has sparked heated debate online. Many PA supporters defended McKenzie, saying he is playing a smart long game to gain more influence. Others agreed they feel let down.
With local elections only months away, parties like the PA, ActionSA and others will fight hard for every vote. Penuel’s message is simple: voters must hold politicians accountable and never be afraid to say when they feel scammed.
As Penuel concluded: “Time will tell… but as it stands, I see no reason to vote for the PA again.”
🔴Central News Special Edition | Issue 129: Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Ngwathe Citizen Forum: Council Now Would Undermine Progress🔴
Read More:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Central-News-Issue-129-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info: info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube