JOHANNESBURG — A former gangster and bank robber who turned into a nightclub owner and opposition politician, Gayton McKenzie has now risen to become South Africa's minister of sports, arts and culture.

President Cyril Rampahosa appointed McKenzie — the leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) — to the portfolio in the multi-party government that he announced on Sunday after his African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in the 29 May election.

A prolific tweeter, the 50-year-od relished his appointment, posting a photo of himself putting on football boots and, with a touch of humor, typed: "Thank you for all the well-wishing messages, I will reply shortly I’m just busy getting ready, I have work to do