Patriotic Alliance leader and South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has launched a legal challenge aimed at stopping a Western Cape Government forensic investigation into fundraising activities linked to the Central Karoo District Municipality.

The investigation was initiated in August 2023 by Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell under Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, following concerns about the management of funds raised through McKenzie's Central Karoo fundraising campaign.

McKenzie is seeking a declaratory order from the Gauteng High Court to halt the probe before its findings are released, arguing that the investigation has continued for too long and that its scope and legitimacy are questionable.

The legal application also involves E Botha & Associates Inc, a law firm connected to McKenzie through its managing director Eugene Botha, who has acted as his personal attorney and adviser, as well as Fezicube (Pty) Ltd, the company responsible for organising the Bring New Life to the Desert gala dinner held in Sandton in May 2022.

The event reportedly raised around R3-million for projects in the Central Karoo, but allegations of possible mismanagement have led to increased scrutiny.

Bredell has confirmed that the Western Cape Government will oppose McKenzie's court application and intends to defend the continuation of the investigation.

The dispute now moves into a significant legal phase, with the court expected to consider whether the provincial probe should proceed or be terminated.