The disappearance of seven-year-old Joshlin Smith on February 19 from her home in Middelpos, Saldanha Bay, captured the community’s attention and spurred local searches in which political figure Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), participated before his election to Parliament. Following the incident, McKenzie publicly committed to dedicating his parliamentary salary to support causes related to Joshlin, a promise that has since sparked questions and political debate regarding his intentions.
This past Sunday, Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament Liam Jacobs raised questions about McKenzie’s stated intentions, particularly concerning the establishment of the “Joshlin Smith Foundation.”
Jacobs expressed his concerns on X, the social media platform, writing:
“He went from pledging to donate 100% of his salary to the foundation to admitting it doesn’t exist. While I respect the good endeavours and charities funded by the minister (it’s a noble thing to do), the fact remains that Joshlin Smith’s name was used to score political points.”
Jacobs emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, reminding Parliament of its obligation to South African citizens.
“Part of being a Member of Parliament is holding the executive to account,”
he continued.
“We must tell the truth to South Africans and honour the trust they have placed in us by voting for us to hold these offices. Lying about sending money somewhere in the name of reputation is dishonourable.”
In response to Jacobs’ criticism, McKenzie clarified that he had not yet established the foundation but remained committed to his promise not to personally benefit from his ministerial salary. He explained that his parliamentary earnings are currently allocated toward other charitable initiatives while plans for the foundation are gradually progressing.
McKenzie elaborated on his stance, stating,
“In the first months of my term, we have focused on the work of the Department and Ministry, and I have used the salary to fund worthy causes close to my heart, and the money has truly been making a difference. I have not used a cent of it for myself, and don’t intend to. Let’s be clear on that.”
He added that establishing the foundation prematurely, merely to appease political critics, would be an error.
“The Joshlin Smith Foundation does not yet exist, because we want to make sure we get it right and don’t just do it to please the members of other political parties who think this matter has anything to do with them. It is a private, personal matter, relating to my own funds and what I choose to do with my own money. To rush into the creation of any foundation would be a mistake, and the obvious fact that it has not yet been registered does not mean that I have gone back on my undertaking to not benefit from my ministerial salary.”
McKenzie maintained that his contributions to various causes would continue, foundation or not.
“We will continue to use the money to do good, with or without any foundation. Once the foundation is set up, we will also have to make sure that it will enhance the good work being done, not distract from it. When we interview for the directors, we will need the right people, to ensure that the foundation and its work can outlive me someday.”
Amid these statements, Joshlin’s family expressed surprise upon learning about McKenzie’s foundation plans. Her maternal grandmother, Lauretta Yon, disclosed that she had not been informed of the proposed foundation.
“No one approached me about it, I didn’t even know there was a plan to start a foundation, Gayton has not come to me about that.”
McKenzie claimed that he had contributed to search efforts for Joshlin since first becoming aware of her disappearance. However, questions from the family underscore ongoing uncertainties surrounding the nature and timing of the foundation’s creation.
