Gayton McKenzie hits back at DA's Tertuis Simmers over claims that PA used Tik to secure George votes

Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie hit back at Tertuis Simmers over claims he made about the party
The Democratic Alliance member made several claims about the party's actions during by-elections in George
McKenzie accused Simmers of stereotyping coloured communities during an explosive video where he addressed the claims

Gayton McKenzie has hit back at Tertuis Simmers over claims made about the PA in George. Image: Rodger Bosch
Source: Getty Images

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

WESTERN CAPE — Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has threatened legal action against the Democratic Alliance's Tertuis Simmers following claims that voters in George were bribed with tik and cash to support the PA in three by-elections held in early 2026.

Simmers made the remarks during a BizNews interview, alleging that the PA's by-election victories in George's Wards 16, 17, and 27 between January and February 2026 were achieved through vote-buying rather than genuine support. He noted that the DA reported the allegations to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

McKenzie responds to Simmers' BizNews interview

McKenzie responded in a selfie-style video recorded inside a moving vehicle; the video was shared on X. In the clip, McKenzie rejected Simmers' framing of the situation as a slight against the dignity of coloured voters.

He argued that the statement amounted to a stereotype suggesting coloured communities are incapable of voting independently or making their own political choices.

The three wards in question were previously held by the DA, making the PA's victories a significant political shift in the Western Cape, particularly among coloured voters in George. The results signalled intensifying competition between the two parties in a region the DA has historically dominated.

McKenzie committed to covering the legal costs of any George voter who chooses to pursue defamation action against Simmers, framing his response as a defence of the community's right to be taken seriously as voters.

Gayton McKenzie hits back at DA's Tertuis Simmers over claims that PA used Tik to secure George votes

McKenzie responds to Simmers' BizNews interview

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