Gayton McKenzie responds to backlash over Tatjana Smith’s switch to the Netherlands

The country’s most decorated Olympian, Tatjana Smith, has left the South African national team and switched her international allegiance to the Netherlands. This decision sparked outrage toward the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, with Minister Gayton McKenzie responding to the backlash.

Also see: Gayton McKenzie hails Scorpion Kings: ‘Amapiano is South Africa’s gift to the music world’

Gayton McKenzie urges people to understand before coming for him

After Smith announced her switch to the Netherlands, social media users speculated about her leaving after she vaguely said finances were part of her decision.

“The reality is that this opportunity also offers greater high-performance support and the potential to build a more sustainable career. The financial and practical challenges of swimming were among the reasons my previous career became difficult to sustain,” she said.

This then led to people criticising the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, for allegedly prioritising certain sports above others.

I agree with Queen B. Gayton McKenzie needs to resign. I refuse to accept that South Africa can spend R31 million on a World Cup delegation while our own swimmers must find R55,000 to represent the country. If this is his idea of prioritising sport, we’ve got a serious problem.

— Jess Mokoena (@ThisIsJess__) November 10, 2026

An account on X, Cash and Sport, referred back to its own post from August, where they broke down how sports funding works as a reference to explain the reasons behind Smith suspected departure from the national team.

The minister responded to this tweet, appreciating the explanation and asking people not to apportion blame to him without understanding, adding:

“Read up and understand before you come for me.”

Thank you. We stepped in when Hockey needed money; we stepped in when Chess SA needed assistance; all Federations get a grant from government. You might dislike me, but don’t apportion blame based on your feelings; read up and understand before you come for me.

— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) November 10, 2026

Also see: Gayton McKenzie draws criticism for backing Chris Brown concert amid GBV concerns

Tatjana Smith’s emotional farewell

The Olympic swimmer shared a long video on her social media pages, reading a heartfelt letter to South Africans announcing her move and what significance it held in her career moving forward.

For one, she touched on the opportunity to explore her cultural roots, as her father is from the Netherlands.

“Both countries are a part of who I am, but sport requires you to choose one to represent. At the beginning of my career, I chose South Africa, a decision I will always treasure. Now, I’ve made the decision to represent the Netherlands in the next chapter of my swimming career. This allows me to explore another part of my identity and the heritage that I’ve never experienced through sport,” she expressed.

While her decision was a strategic one in terms of career sustainability, the decision still holds a significant emotional effect for Smith as a proud South African.

 

View this post on Instagram.

 

A post shared by -TATJANA SMITH (SCHOENMAKER)- (@tatjanaschoen)

Featured image: X/@GaytonMcK

Also see: Bonang Matheba calls out Gayton McKenzie over proposed Jay-Z concert export