Destroyed Unathi Nkayi breaks down in tears as Minister Gayton McKenzie vows to deal with her enemies (VIDEO)

Singer, radio host, and presenter Unathi Nkayi was visibly moved to tears at a recent event when Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, publicly declared his support for her.

A video of the emotional moment, posted by Nkayi herself on Instagram, shows McKenzie offering a robust defence of the embattled media personality against what he perceives as unjust treatment.

“I have never spoken to Unathi, but she's going to blossom. And while I'm the minister, she will represent us on stages. And the ones that were planning that this woman must be destroyed, they got something coming,” McKenzie declared.

Nkayi’s caption expressed deep gratitude to the minister and his ministry, a sentiment echoed by many of her followers.

McKenzie’s intervention follows Nkayi’s ongoing legal battle with Kaya FM and her former colleague, Sizwe Dhlomo, stemming from her dismissal from the radio station in 2021. Nkayi launched a R1.6 million lawsuit against Kaya FM, claiming R1 300 000 for contractual damages, R100 000 for delictual damages, and R200 000 for infringement of her right to dignity, as confirmed by her legal representative, David Feinberg, to IOL Entertainment. The case, initially an arbitration process, has now escalated to the High Court of South Africa.

The minister’s strong words, however, have sparked considerable controversy. Many social media users expressed their disapproval, questioning McKenzie’s involvement in what they see as a personal dispute. Popular social media commentator Zola Mbulawa voiced this sentiment on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "I like Gayton, but this is not it. I was even more upset by the tears! Made me naar! I was shocked that @GaytonMcK essentially endorsed someone whose part in all this was to try and have someone fired. It cannot be that Unathi gets a free pass for trying to destroy another person.?"

The criticism centres on the perception that McKenzie is taking sides in a complex legal matter without fully understanding the nuances of the situation. A staffer in the Minister’s office, speaking anonymously, confirmed this concern: "We were extremely shocked at the minister's statements as he went off script. In such matters, we'd advise him to move cautiously, as this is still an ongoing legal matter and divisive. It was cringeworthy at best, and Unathi should have exercised discretion by not using the footage on her sympathy tour. The event was about honouring legends, and this has completely overshadowed that. She showed complete selfishness and individualism."

Adding fuel to the fire, controversial activist Ntsiki Mazwai weighed in, stating: "I have had to spend money for legal fees because of women like her (Unathi). No, guys. We literally heard a live audio and saw Unathi lying about another man. In a country that struggles with GBV and men using false allegations to protect themselves."

Mazwai’s comments highlight a wider concern about the potential for false accusations and the impact on individuals wrongly accused.

In contrast, well-respected radio and TV personality Penny Lebyane offered a more conciliatory perspective. In a statement advocating for inclusivity and equality within the entertainment industry, she appealed to the minister to consider all sides of the issue. She urged McKenzie to engage with women who have experienced the alleged “boys club” culture within the industry, suggesting a need for broader dialogue and understanding.

Meanwhile, Sizwe Dhlomo, the other party involved in the dispute, maintains his position. During an appearance on the “L-Tido Podcast”, he shared his perspective on the legal matter: “That was personal. If I didn't have my ducks in a row, luckily I always do, then my career could have been ruined, that one I don't take lightly, that's to the death.”

He expressed confidence in his legal position, stating: “She is going through her [Unathi] case; it has got nothing to do with me, all the best. She is likely going to lose it though; I have all the evidence on everything. Every show I have ever done, I have the recordings. Every day when I do a show, I get sent a copy of it and save it in the archives. This is just so that if anyone comes up with something.”

McKenzie’s unwavering support for Nkayi, coupled with his vow to hold those responsible for her perceived mistreatment accountable, has intensified the debate surrounding the case.

His statement, “No person must be destroyed. Whether we like people, we must make sure their talent gets appreciated. This thing of South Africa where we destroy people when we don't like them, it must come to an end. It will come to an end with me,” reflects a broader sentiment about the treatment of individuals within the South African entertainment industry.

However, the minister’s intervention has raised questions about the appropriate role of government officials in resolving private disputes, particularly those with ongoing legal proceedings. McKenzie has yet to respond to the public criticism surrounding his comments.