While there are some who think that suspended Springboks player Elton Jantjies has become a better person, others are finding it difficult to believe that a leopard can change its spots.
The 2019 World Cup winner has recently been getting praise from high-ranking leaders in the political and sports spheres. The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie recently shared a post directed at the former Lions flyhalf, thanking him for the work he is doing with young people.
Since his suspension from the game, after he tested positive for banned substances, Elton has been spending his time investing in the future of South African rugby by offering one-on-one coaching lessons to young aspiring rugby players.
In a video shared by Elton last week, Gayton can be heard thanking the 46 cap international for choosing to get back up and doing positive work among the young despite facing a difficult few years which saw him get in trouble with a flight attendant on a flight from Dubai, going through divorce following cheating allegations, and later having a restraining order taken out against him by ex-girlfriend Ashleigh Ogle.
This has since put him in a bad light with rugby fans, with many criticising the player for his actions.
In the video, Gayton can be heard saying: “Forget the nay-sayers, there are always going to be those who are going to bring negativity, but you continue fighting, my brother. I’m here for you, I am behind you.”
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Meanwhile, Ashleigh is far from convinced that Elton is a fully changed man.
The pair first went Instagram-official in August 2023, but by December of that same year, there was barely a post that could be found of the duo sharing a picture.
Ashleigh later opened up about her time spent with the rugby player, highlighting his dark side with allegations of drug use, abuse and death threats.
In a recent interview with The South African African, she reflected on the recent statements made by Gayton, saying: “I 100% believe in forgiveness for one’s own peace, but in my ex’s case, he has sadly not changed, and I truly hoped that after our situation, he would.”
Meanwhile, she is currently finding herself on a healing journey and is happy to close off that chapter of her life.
Also see: Gayton Mckenzie inspired by Springbok Elton Jantjies ploughing into youth
