Elton Jantjies has shown love to Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie after they watched the Springboks and All Blacks live in action at Ellis Park over the weekend.

Their meeting comes a year after the Minister praised the former flyhalf, who is currently on a doping ban, for his perseverance.

Elton was handed down a four-year suspension in early 2024. In recent years, his personal life has made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

ELTON JANTJIES AND GAYTON MCKENZIE MEET AT ELLIS PARK

On his social media platform, Elton Jantjies posted a picture of himself and his mother, Elma, meeting Gayton McKenzie at the Springboks test match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

The former Springbok flyhalf also posted pics of him meeting former All Blacks Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, who are both in South Africa for the Greatest Rivalry series.

“South Africa”, the 2019 World Cup champion captioned the post.

Elton’s meeting with Gayton comes a year after the Minister praised the rugby player amid ongoing criticism from the public.

He posted: “I don’t care what you write. I will continue to support Elton, I am a God-fearing man, and I know God can change any life just as he changed mine. 

He added: “I will never ever cancel any person because judgment belongs to God.”

In the comments section, Elton Jantjies responded: “Got your back”.

Gayton also praised Elton for pursuing a career as a rugby coach.

He continued, “Congratulations, I am proud of you. I can see what you do for rugby and how hard you work for the Game Changers [Elton’s company]. 

“Forget the naysayers. You keep fighting. I’m behind you. Let me know if you need some help; I’m available”.

Elton reposted the clip on his Instagram with the caption: “A message from a true leader.”

WHAT IS FORMER SPRINGBOK DOING NOW?

In early 2024, Elton Jantjie was given a four-year doping ban by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) after he tested positive for clenbuterol from a sample taken a year earlier

At the time, he had been linked with a possible return to the Lions.

He will be eligible to play professionally again in 2028.

In the interim, Elton has been keeping himself occupied with his rugby school, Game Changers, and various endorsement deals.

He told Behind The Ruck last year: “I’m very busy in terms of my own individual development. Staying fit and healthy.

“A lot of guys were in my position; they probably would have shot themselves or committed suicide. Or they would have gone off the rails, you know. But I just keep doing what I’m doing. What makes me healthy and puts me at peace, and where everybody smiles.”