In a commemorative event set to take place at Orlando Stadium today, Saturday, November 25, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) aims to celebrate its 10th anniversary, echoing the historical gatherings of political counterparts such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). PA leader Gayton McKenzie, however, has explicitly stated that the event is not open to illegal foreign nationals.
McKenzie emphasized, “No illegal foreigners allowed,” clarifying that the celebration is intended for locals, party supporters, and leadership at Orlando Stadium.
The PA, founded in November 2013 by businessman Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene, has rapidly gained prominence since entering the political arena. McKenzie, known for his stance against illegal foreign nationals, accuses them of exploiting the labor industry, engaging in criminal activities, and contributing to the drug trade among the youth. He has asserted that, if elected as the country’s President, he will initiate a significant deportation of illegal foreign nationals.
Describing itself as a credible alternative to both the ruling Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape and the African National Congress (ANC) in the rest of the country, the PA contested the 2014 national and provincial elections with a focus on the Western Cape, as well as attempting a presence in the Free State, Gauteng, Northern Cape, and North West. Despite a modest showing in the 2014 elections, where it garnered 0.07% of the national vote, the PA secured its first elected representatives in the 2016 municipal elections. Despite receiving only 0.06% of the national vote, the party gained seats in metropolitan municipalities, including Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni.