Gayton seeking votes in Orania: ‘I need to visit more’

Gayton McKenzie has joked about campaigning for votes in Orania, a white Afrikaner-only town in the Northern Cape, after his party, the Patriotic Alliance, received a single vote in last week’s local government elections. 

As did the EFF, whose lone voter has made headlines over their “rebellious” act.

GAYTON JOKES ABOUT CANVASSING VOTES IN ORANIA

On his social media platforms, Gayton McKenzie reacted to the PA receiving only 1 vote at the Orania voting station during last week’s local government elections.

He posted: “My visit to Orania delivered one vote; I need to visit more between now and 2029😂🤛🏾”

Apart from the PA, the following parties recorded votes in the conservative town…

• Freedom Front Plus – 405
• DA – 44
• ACDP – 5
• EFF – 1
• PA – 1
• ANC – 0

‘PITY  IT IS ONLY FOR AFRIKANERS’

Gayton McKenzie is one of several South African public profiles who have documented their trip to Orania. In 2023, the PA leader visited the Afrikaner-only town to meet with local leaders and learn more about the community.

Sharing a lengthy X thread, the Gayton came to the following conclusions:

• Orania is a white-only town. Black people are not allowed to buy land or stay there. According to leaders, this is a means to “preserve” the Afrikaaner culture
• The town does not permit any members of the LGBTQ community to enter the town
• The population is about 3000 people, and residents thrive on keeping the town clean
• Orania has its own currency – Ora – and even its own Reserve Bank-registered bank. It also has its own flag
• The town has multiple thriving businesses which employ residents
• It is self-sufficient, with its own schools, factories, and hospitals.
• Afrikaans is the only language spoken and taught
• Despite having a small population, the town has “futuristic” financial practices
• Reflecting on the experience, he added: “The saddest part about Orania is that they are doing exactly what we should be doing in SA, which is building infrastructure, technical schools, empowering people, and having dreams.

He shared: “I met the leaders of Orania, and they are all very idealistic. Just a pity that it is only for Afrikaners”.

I cannot say with absolute certainty that my experience in Orania will be the experience of any other Black person. I found the people very friendly and everyone greeted everyone. pic.twitter.com/000ebFuwFv

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) May 6, 2023