KingCogzen retweetledi
I do not know why Gayton McKenzie speaks so confidently about things he clearly does not understand. It is embarrassing when a cabinet minister appears unaware of how diplomatic passports work.
A diplomatic passport is not reserved exclusively for diplomats, ambassadors or presidents. Around the world, governments have often issued diplomatic passports to individuals who have brought distinction, honour and international recognition to their countries.
Outstanding athletes, artists, musicians, cultural icons, business leaders and other distinguished citizens have, on occasion, been granted diplomatic passports or equivalent travel privileges in recognition of their contributions to the nation.
In the case of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the Somali government confirmed that it issued him a diplomatic passport to facilitate his travel to the FIFA World Cup after he became one of Africa’s most celebrated referees and was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year for 2025.
Somali officials have publicly stated that the passport was issued because of his historic achievement and to assist him in representing Somalia on the global stage.
Artan became the first Somali ever selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup and has been widely recognised as one of Africa’s top match officials. His achievements have put Somalia on the international football map and inspired millions of young Africans.
What is worrying is not that Gayton McKenzie got it wrong. Everyone makes mistakes. What is worrying is that he chose to speak with such certainty about a subject he clearly had not taken the time to understand.
Ministers have a responsibility to be informed before making public pronouncements, particularly on matters involving diplomacy and international affairs.
A little research would have shown him that diplomatic passports are sometimes awarded as a national honour and a practical tool to assist distinguished citizens representing their countries abroad. That is not unique to Somalia, and it is certainly not unique to Africa.
Diplomatic passports have been issued to many people who are not politicians or career diplomats. For example, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, football stars Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast and Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon, musician Youssou N’Dour of Senegal, long-distance running icon Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, and now Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan have all been granted diplomatic passports or diplomatic status by their governments.
The suggestion that only politicians or diplomats can be issued diplomatic passports is therefore incorrect.
I have noticed a certain interesting trend with Gayton McKenzie. Most of the time when the American government makes a mistake, he comes out to defend it. I wonder why he does that.
From the issue of visas to the political standoff between South Africa and the United States, he has consistently appeared to side with America, even in instances where many believe it is wrong. It is a pattern that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
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