SAHRC probes Gayton McKenzie's old ‘racist' tweets
Last week, McKenzie's old tweets allegedly using the k-word resurfaced on X, sparking outrage and calls for his removal as minister.
The commission said it would investigate the matter after receiving complaints from political parties and the outrage caused on social media.
'After assessment of the contents, the commission is of the view that utterances made by minister McKenzie are prima facie violations of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act),' the SAHRC said.
'Consequently, the commission has sent an allegation letter to minister McKenzie. Thereafter, the commission will determine the best way forward, which may include instituting proceedings in the relevant Equality Court as per the South African Human Rights Commission Act read with the Equality Act.'
It said given his position as a minister, McKenzie's conduct is expected to conform to the ethical standards of a minister and an MP.
The SAHRC urged the public to refrain from using hate speech under the notion it is freedom of speech.
'The commission wishes to remind members of the public that the right to freedom of expression is not absolute. Hate speech is prohibited in terms of the Equality Act, and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act.
'The commission calls on everyone in the country to uphold the principles enshrined in the constitution, including human dignity, equality and non-discrimination.'
ActionSA has welcomed the SAHRC's investigation.
'We maintain South Africa cannot have a sitting cabinet minister who holds such views, whether past or present, without being held to account,' said ActionSA MP Alan Beesley.
'ActionSA looks forward to the commission communicating the next steps in holding the minister to account. Racism must be confronted with consequences, no matter who the perpetrator is or their status in society.'
McKenzie has consistently denied claims of racism, saying he would not apologise 'for something I didn't do'.
'Why am I asking for forgiveness for some of the nonsense things I said about guys and swearing at some guys, not racism. I won't apologise,' he said.
'Why would I apologise for something I didn't do? Even if the president says I must apologise for racism, I will not, because I wasn't racist. Must I be so desperate for a job that I start apologising for stuff? No. I'm another type of guy.'
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Mail & Guardian
5 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
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Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy The South African Human Rights Commission ( The commission confirmed that it had received complaints from political parties and members of the public after the posts, published from 2011 to 2017, circulated on X earlier this month. The content drew public outrage and renewed calls for McKenzie's removal from the cabinet. In a statement, the SAHRC said the posts amounted to a prima facie violation of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act and that McKenzie's conduct was inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of a cabinet minister and member of parliament. 'After assessment of the contents, the commission is of the view that utterances made by Minister McKenzie are prima facie violations of the provisions of the Equality Act,' it said. 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McKenzie has also dismissed the controversy as politically motivated, accusing the 'I can never be guilty of racism. Try some other takedown, but never racism,' he said. 'What you see here, they fear me, they have been calling me ibhantinti [prisoner], I mustn't be here, then every time I beat them in the by-elections, where is Bhantinti and all? Now they found racism, what racism? How can I be racist my brother me?' said the convicted criminal turned politician. The resurfacing of the posts and the commission's decision to investigate have prompted sharp reactions across the political spectrum. ActionSA, which lodged a complaint with the SAHRC, welcomed the investigation. 'We maintain that South Africa cannot have a sitting cabinet minister who holds such views, whether past or present, without being held to account,' ActionSA MP Alan He said the SAHRC's action was appropriate. 'No cabinet minister can be allowed to casually use racial slurs and walk away without consequence.' 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