Political feud ignites as Gayton McKenzie and Liam Jacobs clash over bakkie crash post

A Facebook post by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie about a bakkie crash has turned into a contentious political dispute involving former ally Liam Jacobs. McKenzie shared a photograph of the crashed vehicle, stating that his aunt told him the occupants were discussing the Patriotic Alliance. He urged people to keep the victims' names out of the discussion.

However, it later became known that the driver had died in the hospital. Jacobs responded by accusing McKenzie of exploiting the tragedy for political gain and questioning the minister's reaction. Jacobs denied politicizing the event and criticized people posting laughing emojis in reaction. McKenzie defended his post, saying no injury reports were available when he initially shared it and expressing sympathy for the family.

The dispute expanded beyond the crash, involving PA national chairperson Marlon Daniels. Jacobs claimed Daniels had threatened him with a "necklace" if the incident had occurred before 1994, and accused Daniels of inciting political violence. Daniels responded by calling Jacobs' actions a "grave mistake" and warning him of a limited future.

McKenzie threatened legal action against those altering his Facebook post. The ongoing conflict reflects the tumultuous relationship between McKenzie and Jacobs, who previously joined McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance in June 2025 and later returned to the DA in June 2026, citing a belief they misled him.