'I'm not a snake': PA's McKenzie says he would never vote against Ramaphosa in motion of no confidence

Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie said he would never vote against President Cyril Ramaphosa in a motion of no confidence, even if he withdraws from the Government of National Unity (GNU).

McKenzie plans to quit his job as minister of sport, arts and culture on Tuesday if his party’s deputy president, Kenny Kunene, is not reinstated to Johannesburg’s mayoral committee after he resigned two months ago.

McKenzie is on Saturday expected to unveil a new-look Robben Island Museum as part of this week’s heritage events, a duty he said was entrusted to him by Ramaphosa.

As McKenzie spars with the African National Congress (ANC)’s Gauteng regional leadership over positions in its Joburg coalition, McKenzie said he still holdsPresident Ramaphosa in high regard and has not bothered him with the coalition squabbles.

"President Cyril Ramaphosa decided to make me a minister. I'm not going to turn against that man because I’m fighting with his organisation. To all the parties, I want you to know, I’m not going to vote with you in the vote of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa. I’m not a snake."

In what could be one of his last ministerial duties, McKenzie will on Saturday be unveiling a wall of names of all prisoners, and new statues, at the Robben Island Museum that will include its first prisoner, KhoiKhoi chief, Harry the Strandloper and his niece, Krotoa.

"We are being told we were not part of the struggle. There’s no difference between black people and coloured people. We are one people. We are being divided by the system."

The reunion of ex-political prisoners also from Namibia will be awarded commemorative medals in recognition of their sacrifice.