Gayton McKenzie, Minister for Sport, Arts, and Culture, has shed an astonishing 15 kilograms since beginning his weight-loss plan in July.
The Patriotic Alliance leader, who nearly lost his breath while chanting “abahambe” (they must go) during an electoral rally earlier this year, wants to encourage a healthy lifestyle for all South Africans.
The singing minister launched the “Wednesday Weight Challenge” on August 14, when he weighed himself and invited Mzansi to join in.
His healthy living practice began at the end of July, when deputy president Paul Mashatile innocently requested him to fasten his suit, but he couldn’t because of his large stomach.
“The Deputy President @PMashatile asked me to fasten my jacket during my swearing in ceremony, I couldn’t because of my big stomach. I have since started to run and this morning I was wearing same suit 😎😍🇿🇦🎤 don’t be jealous go run 🔥,” he said at the time.
The Deputy President @PMashatile asked me to fasten my jacket during my swearing in ceremony, I couldn’t because of my big stomach. I have since started to run and this morning I was wearing same suit 😎😍🇿🇦🎤 don’t be jealous go run 🔥 pic.twitter.com/G7Kpb3VfSG
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 31, 2024
Embarrassed and laughing at himself, McKenzie began his weight loss journey, weighing himself weekly and sharing the results on his social media account for all to see.
McKenzie, who once tipped the scales at 146 kg, shared his latest excitement in a lively video update.
“I am back! I lost 2.1 kg since my last weigh-in two weeks ago. I have since lost 15 kg since I started my health journey.
“I feel great start now. Health is wealth!”
In another video, McKenzie shared the challenges he faced while he was abroad in Russia.
“It’s been two weeks. I didn’t weigh myself because I was in Russia. I couldn’t find a scale, and I didn’t even know how to pronounce my scale,” he said.
Despite the delicious temptations he encountered abroad, McKenzie made sure to keep active.
“The food was just everywhere, the temptation was real! I was eating, but I made sure I ran more. You know the secret?
“I was running from crocodiles! That’s why I know I’m gonna kill it on the scale today.”
And kill it he did. McKenzie proudly announced his latest weigh-in: “I was 135.3 kg. I then went to 134.9 kg. Let’s see how much I’ve lost or gained… 132.8 kg!
“Since the last two weeks, I’ve lost 2.1 kg. That crocodile chasing really helped me, salute,” he said in a previous update.
With a sense of humour and a bit of whimsy, he quipped, “I lost 2.1 kg despite the fact that I ate so much. But I ran, I ran, I ran, and I stayed away from cops.
“I just ate meat and all that type of stuff. Guys, run, run! My six-pack—uh, I mean, my nine-pack is loading, so I’m cool”.
I’m back, I lost 2.1kgs since my last weigh-in 2 weeks ago. I have since lost 15kgs since I started my health journey. I feel great, start now. Health is wealth. pic.twitter.com/Vy7IE4OQHR
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) September 18, 2024
X users have been supporting and encouraging the Minister with his weight loss journey. One user tweeted, “@SamTrong3: Exercise is only 5-10% of results. You can’t out-train a bad diet. Congrats Gayton sir. Keep going!”
Another chimed in, “@Maurice_lippy: Well done Minister. An inspiration to us all.”
