Gayton McKenzie’s diamond mine business – now managed by his son Calvin Le John – has reportedly taken a turn for the worse as prices have plummeted and the demand is at an all-time low.
The Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture’s son made the revelation in his first interview last week. In it, he discussed his acquisition of PSL club Siwelele FC, previously SuperSport United, for R50 million. The transaction was funded by selling shares to the mines.
Since being sworn in as minister, Gayton has transferred all his businesses into his firstborn’s name.
GAYTON MCKENZIE’S DIAMOND MINE ‘NO LONGER PROFITABLE’
According to Calvin Le John, Gayton McKenzie made most of his fortune from his slate and diamond mine business.
Speaking to Robert Marawa, the Minister’s firstborn revealed that Siwelele FC was bought after shares in the diamond mine were sold to a consortium for R90 million.
However, Le John claimed that the business was no longer profitable.
He said, “Lab diamonds are now a big factor in the industry. I’m trying to divest as quickly as I can because I see a storm coming.
Images via 947/ X: @gaytonmck
“Diamond prices are at it lowest in years. It’s circumstances that we’re dealing with . There are a lot of diamond miners that have left the country. Diamond miners are literally living hand to mouth”.
After his prison release over an armed robbery sentence, Gayton McKenzie worked as a consultant at various gold and diamond mines.
With the help of a mentor, he founded his own mine – Central Rand Gold Mine – with pal and political party right-hand man, Kenny Kunene. He later owned gold, diamond, and slate mines in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
WHAT OTHER BUSINESSES DOES HE HAVE?
Before handing over the reins to his son, Gayton McKenzie had multiple businesses in the entertainment, transport, publishing, mining, and property sectors.
According to Parliament’s 2025 Register of Members’ Interests, Gayton was the director of several businesses, which he claims he has since deregistered from.
They include the Taboo Tradio group of nightclubs and entertainment, ZAR Productions in the film and television industry, record label Nu Money Records, and an investment holdings company called Hustler’s Empire.
He also had his fingers in the pie of logistics, solar trading, microbreweries, ICT, and health and wellness enterprises.
He said in a recent Facebook Live: “We are a fairly wealthy family. My son [Calvin Le John] took over the ownership of all the family businesses before I was appointed as a minister. As ministers, we are not allowed to be involved in any private business.
“… All our family businesses have been given to him. He grew up in money”.
IS GAYTON MCKENZIE THE WEALTHIEST MINISTER IN PARLIAMENT?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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