• Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie announced slap fights in South Africa
• McKenzie waxed lyrical about the sport after attending a Power Slap championship match to support a local fighter
• On social media, residents expressed polarizing opinions, with some enthusiastic while others called it barbaric.

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa is fast becoming a destination for local and international competitors who want to show their mettle in a sport that packs a punch and involves rough handling.

Enter American slap fight promotion company Power Slap, owned by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White.

McKenzie supports slapping fights in South Africa

Gayton McKenzie is excited to bring Power Slap to South Africa after the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture recently attended a Power Slap championship event overseas, featuring the division forward of SA super-heavyweights Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden.

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As for X, McKenzie, who is also a strong proponent of making spinning a recognized activity sportwaxed lyrical about slapping fights.

“This sport is one of the fastest growing in the world. Power Slap is really popular everywhere. I am happy that it is coming to South Africa next year. I believe we will soon have more champions here at home” , he declared. wrote.

Along with a photo of van Heerden punching his opponent, McKenzie posted a clip of White confirming his plans to bring the sport to Africa.

In an interview, White said:

“We’re going everywhere with Power Slap. (In Africa) we’re going to go south first. We’re (also) looking at other places in the Middle East (and) adding more in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Dabi.”

With a win-loss-draw record of 2-2-0, van Heerden spoke about the sport and his passion for it in his Power Slap biography.

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“It’s a world-class sport. You’re never too old or too heavy for anything. I want to prove that I can prevail at anything I put my mind to.”

Different sides of the barrier

McKenzie’s reference to Power Slap arriving in South Africa in 2025 sent social media into a frenzy. Some netizens criticized the plan, while others implored the minister to prioritize the rapid development of sports infrastructure.

In brief News look at the passionate comments that followed.

@AgentMahone55 disputed:

“Please arrange matches for us with politicians, especially with ANC comrades.”

@ThaboCollin4 said:

“As long as we think about building these sports facilities in rural areas and townships so that we can invest in future athletes and earn more at international events.”

@MakiMarish added:

“We have a lot of politicians who need to be slapped. Can all politicians come in.”

Source: In brief News