Ricardo Mackenzie
Ricardo Mackenzie | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 15, 1977 South Africa |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Known for | Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape; former Provincial Minister of Mobility |
Ricardo Denver Mackenzie (born 15 October 1977) is a South African political figure currently occupying the role of Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape as of June 2024. Prior to this, he served as the Provincial Minister of Mobility from February 2023 until June 2024. Affiliated with the Democratic Alliance, Mackenzie has been an active Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament since May 2014.
Before joining the DA, he held the position of Manager and Personal Assistant to African National Congress national cabinet minister Fikile Mbalula and acts as the DA's constituency leader in Mitchells Plain.
Early life
Mackenzie obtained a graduate certificate focused on governance and leadership from the University of the Witwatersrand. As of 2019, he was engaged in studies toward a post-graduate diploma in governance. His career history features employment at the Presidency, Old Mutual, and JPMorgan Chase before taking on the role of Manager/PA for then-Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula.
Political career
In January 2014, Mackenzie stepped down from his role as Manager/PA to Mbalula and left the African National Congress to join the ranks of the Democratic Alliance. He was subsequently listed as a candidate for the Western Cape Provincial Parliament ahead of the 2014 general election and officially sworn in as an MPP on 21 May 2014. During his tenure, he chaired the Standing Committee on Cultural Affairs and Sports.
After securing re-election in 2019, Mackenzie continued as the DA's constituency head in Mitchells Plain and was named chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Premier and Constitutional Matters in June 2019.
Provincial government
On 14 February 2023, Weekend Argus identified Mackenzie as a leading candidate for Western Cape Minister of Mobility following Daylin Mitchell's appointment as Speaker of the Provincial Parliament. Premier Alan Winde officially designated him to this ministerial role on 20 February 2023.
Subsequent to the 2024 provincial election, Premier Winde reassigned Mackenzie to oversee the Sport and Cultural Affairs portfolio within the Provincial Cabinet.