Minister Faces Backlash Over Planned Lawsuit
Racial Slur Allegations Resurface Amid Political Storm
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, is embroiled in a political firestorm after announcing his intention to sue podcasters for derogatory remarks targeting the coloured community. Instead of widespread support, McKenzie is now facing intense scrutiny, with his own past controversial statements being unearthed on social media.
Calls for Accountability Mount
Complaints have been lodged with Parliament and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and opponents are demanding McKenzie‘s removal from his Cabinet post. The Patriotic Alliance leader is accused of exacerbating racial divisions through his rhetoric.
Political parties, initially aligned with McKenzie‘s stance against the “Open Chats” podcasters for insulting the coloured community, are now turning their attention to his own history.
Historical Remarks Under Scrutiny
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) confirmed it has written to Parliament’s ethics committee. The party wants an investigation into McKenzie‘s past use of racial slurs in his social media posts, citing his language towards black people as “indefensible and corrosive.” ATM parliamentary leader, Vuyo Zungula, is pushing for an inquiry under the Executive Members’ Ethics Act and the parliamentary code of conduct.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) believe McKenzie should be dismissed from the Cabinet. They argue his ministerial role necessitates the promotion of national unity and respect for South Africa’s diverse heritage.
Similarly, Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, insisted on a consistent approach to hate speech. He stated, “When Gayton McKenzie, the leader of the Patriotic Alliance uses the K-word and fuels division with dangerous rhetoric, it is no different to any other hate speech, and it deserves the same consequences.”
ActionSA has also reported McKenzie to the SAHRC, specifically referencing his social media posts.
Context of Racial Discourse
Recent discussions on race and public discourse highlight the sensitivity of such matters. In 2023, a study by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation found that while overt racial discrimination has declined, subtle forms of prejudice and racial stereotyping persist in public conversations across South Africa.
ActionSA lodges complaint with SAHRC against Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie for racist remarks https://t.co/4U9xK2mFf1
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 20, 2025
The controversy surrounding McKenzie underscores the ongoing challenges in navigating racial sensitivities within South African politics. As different parties push for investigations and accountability, the minister’s position remains under intense pressure.
