Gayton defends Udeme Okon regarding Nigerian heritage claims
Selective criticism? Minister Gayton McKenzie has come to the defense of gold medalist Udeme Okon, who, like Chidimma Adetshina, also has a Nigerian father.
Weeks after stating, “We can’t have Nigerians compete” for South Africa in reference to pageant hopeful Chidimma Adetshina, Gayton McKenzie has now defended gold medalist Udeme Okon.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated the sprinter – whose father is Nigerian – after he won the 400m race in the U20 World Championships in Lema, Peru.
GAYTON MCKENZIE DEFENDS GOLD MEDALLIST?
As he has done with all the South African contestants, Gayton McKenzie congratulated Udeme Okon for winning a gold medal at the U20 World Championships.
He tweeted: “Gold everywhere. Well don,e Udeme Okon, for your great victory in the men’s 400m final.”
However, one tweep decided to test the waters when they brought up Udeme’s mixed parentage – a Nigerian father and a South African mother.
“He’s from Nigeria, Minister,” @golide_tsh85753 tweeted.
Gayton – known for his phrase “Abahambe” and opinions on illegal foreigners – was quick to respond.
He tweeted about Udeme Okon: “He is a South African, legally here, didn’t steal anyone’s identity, he is not involved in nonsense and contributes positively to South Africa. he is our golden boy”.
While some accepted Gayton’s stance, others questioned the Patriotic Alliance leader’s reasoning.
@majazztic: “You’ve created a context in which anyone with a foreign name has to be scrutinised. Kenny Kunene said, ‘We want South African names’. Are you having a change of heart? Is this genuine or selective?”
@XUFFLER: “No investigation, just assumptions?”
@LandryMutombo: “How do you know this? Did you write to Home Affairs for an investigation into his parents? What about his grandparents?”
@bunye_sibiya: “Double standard, Mr Minister, Udeme Okon’s name and surname are not native to South Africa. The Chidimma thing and how y’all handled it will be a problem for a long time to come.”
@iluvmzansi2: “I’m starting to doubt your patriotism”
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHIDIMMA AND UDEME OKON?
According to SportsKeeda, Udeme Okon was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother.
According to South Africa’s Citizenship Act and the Department of Home Affairs, this makes him a citizen by descent, as one of his parents is a South African.
In comparison, Chidimma Adetshina was born to a Nigerian father and an alleged Mozambican mother. Although she was allegedly born in South Africa, there are questions about whether her parents were permanent residents or illegal foreigners in the country.
She is also the subject of an investigation by Home Affairs in which it was revealed that both her parents may have fraudulently registered her birth in 2001. Additionally, her mother is accused of committing identity theft.
The full results of the investigation have yet to be published.