Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has announced he will donate his entire annual salary of R2.68 million to the Joshlin Smith Foundation, a charity dedicated to finding missing children. McKenzie, who leads the Patriotic Alliance, pledged his salary for the entire five-year duration of his ministerial term, emphasizing his commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.
McKenzie’s announcement follows his previous offer in March of a R1 million reward from his own funds for the safe return of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who went missing from Saldanha Bay. At the time, McKenzie highlighted the significance of the child’s case, stating, “This child has become the conscience of our nation. What is bigger than politics is finding that green-eyed girl.”
The Joshlin Smith case has captured national attention. Her mother, Kelly Smith, along with her boyfriend, Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appolis, Stevano van Rhyn, and Lourentia Lombaard, have been charged with trafficking and kidnapping, with allegations that Joshlin was sold for R20,000. The accused are currently in custody and will appear in court on July 15.
In a recent development, Western Cape police discovered a jersey believed to belong to Joshlin during a search in Saldanha Bay. The item has been sent for forensic analysis. Despite the lack of substantial leads, community members and activists continue their relentless search for the missing Grade 1 learner from Diazville Primary, who has been missing since February 19.
