Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, has officially registered a charitable foundation in the name of missing child Joslin Smith. This announcement comes shortly after the Western Cape High Court convicted Joslin’s mother, Kelly Smith, along with two co-accused, of kidnapping and child trafficking.
Kelly Smith, who had been at the center of public suspicion, was found guilty of orchestrating her daughter’s disappearance. Gayton McKenzie publicly condemned her actions, calling her the “mastermind” behind the crime. In response, he has taken steps to provide for Joslin’s remaining siblings and to continue the nationwide search for the missing girl.
In a recent Facebook post, McKenzie criticized the mother’s refusal to testify during the trial. “There is no mother on earth who gets accused of selling her child and refuses to tell her side of the story,” he said. He also addressed critics who accused him of interfering with the investigation, insisting that his intentions were personal and rooted in justice for Joslin and children like her.
McKenzie revealed that the newly formed *Joslin Smith Foundation* aims to support the families of missing children across South Africa. One of its first actions will be to donate funds to cover the educational expenses of Joslin’s brother and sister. “We waited for this case to be finalized. This was never about politics for us,” he emphasized.
He further stated that the foundation is committed to continuing the search for Joslin, asserting, “The search is starting now, South Africa. We will find Joslin, trust us.”
This isn’t the first time McKenzie has spoken about establishing such a foundation. As early as July 2024, he mentioned being in the final stages of registering the charity. In August, he declared he would donate his entire ministerial salary to the cause, emphasizing his personal commitment to helping families affected by child disappearances.
By November 2024, McKenzie clarified the delay in launching the foundation, citing the importance of careful planning. He also emphasized that the effort was being funded privately, independent of any political agendas or party pressures. “To rush into the creation of any foundation would be a mistake,” he said at the time.
With the foundation now officially established, many are watching to see if McKenzie will fulfill his promises — both in continuing the search for Joslin and in supporting other families facing similar tragedies.
The case has captured national attention and sparked outrage, with many calling for increased efforts in child protection and justice for victims. The foundation’s launch could mark a turning point in how such cases are handled in South Africa.
Will Gayton McKenzie keep his promise to find Joslin Smith and support other affected families? Only time will tell, but the launch of the Joslin Smith Foundation is a significant first step.