Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has given the reason behind his son changing his name to Calvyn Le’John.
On Thursday, Le’John was announced as the sole owner of the newly rebranded Siwelele FC after he successfully bought the PSL status of Tshwane giants SuperSport United.
It was later revealed that the 29-year-old Le’John is McKenzie’s son.
Speaking about why the businessman goes by that name, McKenzie revealed it was because he wanted to stay out of the spotlight.
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“He changed his surname because he said he doesn’t want the limelight that comes with being Gayton McKenzie’s son. He’s reserved,” McKenzie said, as per City Press. “If you look at the cars he drives and the houses he has, you would think he would flaunt them on social media. That’s not him.”
McKenzie also added that since he’s been in politics, Le’John has been running the family business and is the owner of the new club – not a front.
The minister also added that his son had big plans for the club that would revitalise football in Bloemfontein.
“He’s also putting in R400 million to build a football city in Bloemfontein. He’s talking to a bank that will assist him. SuperSport United had a marvellous academy in Gauteng. We want to replicate that in Bloemfontein.”
On where all the money came from, McKenzie said: “We are a fairly wealthy family. We have interests in mining, transportation, hotels, and publishing. We also have diamond mines. My son 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. He grew up in business,” said McKenzie.
When asked about public scrutiny regarding his son’s wealth, McKenzie drew comparisons to how young white entrepreneurs are perceived, saying: “People will say he is so young; where does he get the money? White kids at 29 have businesses. But you don’t ask where they get the money.”
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