South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, has strongly condemned a media report that claimed to reveal the events leading up to the death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.
Adams died tragically on July 11, only a few days after representing South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the USA, Mexico and Canada.
South African news outlet News24 released a report detailing what it described as Adams’ final moments before his death on July 11, including allegations about the cause of his passing.
According to the publication, Adams was involved in an argument with his girlfriend, Aqueelah Adendorf, before making a phone call to his father, Juanito, during which he reportedly said, “I can’t take this anymore,” shortly before his death.
McKenzie slams Jayden Adams’ rumour
McKenzie voiced his outrage on X, accusing the publication of acting irresponsibly and questioning the consequences such reporting could have for those grieving Adams’ death.
“This is irresponsible reporting. Do you want the young lady now to take her own life? Do you want her child to blame her for the passing of his dad? You are truly a tabloid; this country needs serious newspapers for sure. Let’s allow the police to do their job,” he wrote.
This is irresponsible reporting, do you want the young lady now to take her own life ? Do you want her child to blame her for the passing of his dad? You are truly a tabloid, this country needs serious newspapers for sure. Let’s allow the police to do their job. https://t.co/AP7TR2xkk0
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) July 19, 2026
A memorial service honouring the 25-year-old footballer took place on July 16 and was attended by his family as well as prominent members of the South African football community. Adams is scheduled to be laid to rest on July 25.
