celebrity radar - gossips
Bank Robber Turned Politician Named As Sports Minister
Bank Robber Turned Politician Named As Sports Minister
A former gangster and bank robber who turned into a nightclub owner and opposition politician, Gayton McKenzie has now risen to become South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Mr McKenzie – the leader of the Patriotic Alliance party (PA) – to the portfolio in the multi-party government that he announced on Sunday after his African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the 29 May election.
A prolific tweeter, the 50-year-old relished his appointment, posting a photo of himself putting on football boots and, with a touch of humour, typed: “Thank you for all the well wishing messages, I will reply shortly I’m just busy getting ready, I have work to do”.
At his swearing in ceremony three days later, Mr McKenzie had his audience, including Mr Ramaphosa, laughing when, in response to the chief justice asking him to be seated, he quipped: “The last time a judge asked me to sit, he made me sit for 10 years.”
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9NoopkUTW8?si=O2Mx9HMYHuN2bFgO
For Mr McKenzie’s admirers, his appointment is the latest sign of how he overcame adversity to achieve success. He robbed his first bank before he turned 16, then became, as he put in an interview with a local radio station, a fully fledged gangster, spent seven years in prison, and vowed to change after his early release.
“I might have had 12 rand ($0.65; £0.50) in my pocket but I had billion rand in my mind. And that is what people do not understand – they concentrate on what they lack instead of how to get what they lack,” he said in a 2013 interview with public broadcaster SABC.
He became a highly paid motivational speaker, got books about his life published, including A Hustler’s Bible, and ventured into various businesses – from mining in Zimbabwe to nightclubs in South Africa – with Kenny Kunene, his soulmate from prison.
These days, he is better known as a politician, having launched the PA in 2013, with Mr Kunene as his deputy.
More than a decade later, the party gained 2% of the national vote and fared better in elections for the provincial government in the Western Cape, getting 8%.
Political analyst Kagiso Pooe told the BBC that Mr McKenzie had a “bravado” style, which appeals to his constituency.
“People want to believe and see someone that comes from their type of background and isn’t shy to say: ‘This is who I am.’ You see it with people like President Zuma, President Trump and other such personalities,” he said.
ANTI-IMMIGRATION
Mr McKenzie’s campaign against undocumented migrants was a vote-winner for him, the analyst added.
“Unfortunately, mainstream politicians and parties have shied away from this and he tackles it directly.”
Critics denounced his campaign as xenophobic. He waged it under the slogan “Abahambe”, which he has translated from the Zulu as “Let them go” – and, in a publicity stunt, he visited the border with Zimbabwe to chase away people trying to enter South Africa.
PROPHET KINGSLEY AITAFO MARKS BIRTHDAY WITH MESSAGE OF FAITH, SERVICE
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Renowned cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, is being celebrated today by followers, associates, and members of the Christian community as he marks his birthday, with tributes pouring in to honor his spiritual impact and years of dedicated service.
The birthday of the respected prophet has become more than a personal milestone, as admirers describe it as a moment to reflect on a life devoted to faith, leadership, and humanitarian outreach.
Known for his passionate teachings and prophetic ministry, Aitafo has built a reputation as a voice of hope to many within and beyond Nigeria.
Close associates say the cleric’s journey has been defined by unwavering commitment to spiritual growth and the upliftment of lives. Through his ministry, he has continued to emphasize prayer, discipline, and a deep connection with God as pathways to personal transformation.
In commemoration of the occasion, special prayers and goodwill messages have been organized by followers across different platforms, many of whom credit his teachings for inspiring positive change in their lives.
“His life is a testimony of grace and dedication,” one associate noted. “He has remained steadfast in his calling, impacting countless lives with messages of faith and encouragement.”
Observers also highlight his role in mentoring young believers and providing spiritual guidance in challenging times, describing him as a leader whose influence extends beyond the pulpit.
As he celebrates another year, well-wishers have continued to pray for greater strength, wisdom, and expansion of his ministry, expressing confidence that his influence will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Today’s celebration stands not only as a birthday tribute, but as a recognition of a life many say has been committed to service, faith, and the advancement of the gospel.
celebrity radar - gossips
BURATAI HAILED AS ‘FRONTLINE GENERAL’ AS PRAISE TRAILS MILITARY, DIPLOMATIC SERVICE
BURATAI HAILED AS ‘FRONTLINE GENERAL’ AS PRAISE TRAILS MILITARY, DIPLOMATIC SERVICE
ABUJA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai (Rtd), has been described as a “frontline general” whose leadership redefined military command during Nigeria’s prolonged battle against insurgency.
The commendation, contained in a statement by KPUGHUR Sunday Christopher, highlighted Buratai’s direct involvement in combat theatres, noting that his decision to lead from the front distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.
According to the statement, the retired army chief’s presence in conflict zones at critical moments of the war effort underscored his commitment to national security and territorial integrity.
“He was not a distant commander. He was present where it mattered most,” the statement said.
The tribute also emphasized Buratai’s reputation as a detribalized leader, stressing his consistent advocacy for unity and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria’s diverse population.
Observers note that his tenure coincided with some of the country’s most challenging security periods, during which the military recorded significant operational strides against insurgent groups.
Beyond his military career, Buratai’s subsequent diplomatic engagement was also cited as evidence of his versatility in national service.
The statement concluded that his continued involvement in national discourse after retirement reflects a sustained commitment to Nigeria’s progress, describing him as “a statesman whose service transcends uniform.”
celebrity radar - gossips
Prophet Kingsley Aitafo to Mark Birthday with Global Prayer Session, Honours Spiritual Fathers
Prophet Kingsley Aitafo to Mark Birthday with Global Prayer Session, Honours Spiritual Fathers
Renowned cleric, Prophet Kingsley Aitafo, is set to mark his birthday on March 23 with a global prayer session, offering what he described as a “spiritual gift” to followers across the world.
In a departure from conventional birthday celebrations, the prophet announced a Special Live Prayer Session scheduled to hold from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Nigeria time). The one-hour intercession is expected to draw participants from various countries, focusing on thanksgiving and collective prayers.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at fostering spiritual reflection and unity among believers, rather than personal festivities.
Ahead of the event, Prophet Aitafo paid tribute to his spiritual mentors, acknowledging the profound influence of Prophet and Founder of Celestial church of Christ, Prophet Samuel Bilehou Joseph Oshoffa and Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo on his ministerial journey.
He noted that the legacies and “exploits in ministry” of the revered clerics have continually inspired him to pursue greater depth, purpose, and impact in his calling.
The upcoming prayer session is expected to be streamed live across his ministry’s platforms, with followers encouraged to join in the global moment of intercession.
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