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The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
ATM demands investigation and removal of Minister Gayton McKenzie over racist remarks
Thabo Makwakwa | Updated 7 hours ago The African Transformation Movement (ATM) formally lodged a complaint against Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, alleging racist remarks aimed at black South Africans and calling for an urgent investigation and his removal. The complaint, submitted to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests, centers on tweets the ATM said contain 'racist slurs' directed at the black community. McKenzie is embroiled in controversy regarding old social media posts dating back to 2011, shared on X (formerly Twitter) during his time as a businessman. The posts re vealed the use of highly offensive racial slur towards blacks. In one of his posts, he criticised the term 'Black Diamond' while using a racially charged term that many in South Africa consider reprehensible. ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula drafted the letter on Saturday. It frames the matter as a constitutional and ethical crisis rather than a political spat. Zungula asserted that the tweets 'contain racially derogatory slurs directed at black South Africans, language that is both indefensible and deeply corrosive to the principles upon which our democracy is built.' He argued that the issue 'is not a matter of political rivalry or petty offence. It is a matter of ethics, constitutional duty, and the moral fabric of the Republic.' In the letter, Zungula further reminded readers of the country's struggle with racial oppression and the purpose of national reconciliation efforts. '(The) tweets employ language steeped in historical racism, t he same kind of degrading rhetoric used to strip black people of their humanity during apartheid and colonial eras. ' Zungula also criticised McKenzie for what the letter describes as hypocrisy in response to remarks by younger podcasters, stating that ministers carry heavier responsibilities than private individuals. Among the key passages cited by the ATM are calls for accountability and transparency. 'Public trust is the currency of governance. When a Minister openly or historically expresses racial prejudice, without acknowledgment, remorse, or corrective action, that trust is irreparably damaged.' The letter added that an 'unrepentant Minister cannot credibly lead a department tasked with building cultural bridges and fostering unity.' The complaint asks Parliament's ethics bodies to determine whether the remarks breach the Constitution, the Executive Members' Ethics Act, and the Parliamentary Code of Conduct, and to consider removing McKenzie from his ministerial post. It argues that his continued tenure undermines his office and Parliament. The ATM also invoked several constitutional and statutory provisions, arguing that the Minister's conduct violates principles of non-racialism, equality before the law, the dignity of all people, and the expectations of ethical public service. The party listed specific constitutional sections and ethics codes, including references to Sections 1(b), 9, 10, and 195(1)(e) and (i) of the Constitution, the Executive Members' Ethics Act, and the Parliament's Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests. 'Given the gravity of the matter, I request that the Presidency, Parliament, and the Ethics Committee initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into the Minister's remarks, past and present; determine whether these remarks constitute a breach of the Constitution, the Executive Members' Ethics Act, and the Parliamentary Code of Conduct; and recommend to the President the removal of Minister McKenzie from his position, as his continued tenure undermines the legitimacy of both his office and Parliament.' Requests for comment from the office of Minister McKenzie were not immediately returned. However, on Friday evening, he wrote on his X account saying that : 'This whole campaign to find something racist I ever said is hilarious because you have now gone 13 years back and can't bring out one racist thing I ever said. I always and still fight that Coloureds and Blacks are one people being treated differently mistakenly.' Meanwhile, ActionSA has reported McKenzie to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for the racist remarks he made, which included the use of outdated and degrading slurs from the Apartheid era. [email protected] IOL Politics
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
The controversy surrounding Gayton McKenzie: Racial slurs and political accountability
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie faces backlash after using a racial slur during a live video and resurfacing of offensive tweets from 2011 and 2013 sparking calls for his removal.. Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has come under intense scrutiny following his use of a racial slur during a live video, which has reignited longstanding debates about race, language, and accountability in South Africa's political landscape. McKenzie sparked outrage during a live video when he used the K-word,a racial slur, while responding to racist remarks made by the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast. His comments were made as he discussed actions taken by the Patriotic Alliance against the podcast hosts. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Resurfacing of Old Social Media Posts Following the backlash over the live video, McKenzie's posts dating back from 2011 and 2013 were uncovered. These tweets contained apartheid-era racial slurs directed at black South Africans, and he criticised the term 'Black Diamond' while using racially charged language widely considered reprehensible in South Africa. African Transformation Movement (ATM) complaint The ATM filed formal complaints with the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests. ATM Parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula described the tweets as 'racially derogatory slurs' that undermine democratic principles. Zungula added that the language 'employs language steeped in historical racism, the same kind of degrading rhetoric used to strip black people of their humanity during apartheid and colonial eras.' The party demanded an urgent investigation and called for McKenzie's removal, arguing that 'an unrepentant Minister cannot credibly lead a department tasked with building cultural bridges and fostering unity.' ActionSA reports to the South African Human Rights Commission ActionSA also lodged a complaint with the SAHRC over McKenzie's live video remarks and the resurfaced tweets. ActionSA Member of Parliament Alan Beesley emphasised the party's commitment to combating racism, stating: 'We are confronting racism in all its forms by holding a sitting Cabinet Minister accountable for comments that no reasonable person can defend as anything other than racist and demeaning.' He warned that if necessary, the matter would be escalated to the Equality Court under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. I'm the son of a black woman, I have children with a black woman, i fought my whole life for same treatment between black and coloured ppl because we fought same struggle. Frame 1, I call out racism, frame 2, I generally always included myself when speaking about black issues. — Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 11, 2025 McKenzie's initial response McKenzie denied being racist, claiming the controversy was a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and social media influencers. He admitted to the offensive posts but said they were written in response to racist remarks from others and expressed embarrassment over them. He said, 'This whole campaign to find something racist I ever said is hilarious because you have now gone 13 years back and can't bring out one racist thing I ever said.' EFF joins calls for removal The Economic Freedom Fighters added their voice to calls from ATM and ActionSA, demanding McKenzie's immediate removal from his ministerial position. I can never be guilty of racism, try some other take down but never racism. I did tweet some insensitive, stupid and hurtful things a decade or two ago, I was a troll & stupid. I cringe when seeing them and I am truly sorry for that. I shall subject myself to the investigation. — Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 11, 2025 McKenzie agrees to investigation McKenzie announced he would submit himself to an investigation. He said, 'I can never be guilty of racism, try some other take down but never racism.' He acknowledged tweeting 'some insensitive, stupid and hurtful things a decade or two ago,' adding, ' I was a troll [and] stupid. I cringe when seeing them and I am truly sorry for that. He denied any racist intent, citing his background: 'My mother was black and I have children with a black woman. I fought my whole life for the same treatment between black and Coloured people because we fought the same struggle.'' While McKenzie said he is 'truly sorry' for the comments made years ago, a formal apology has not yet been issued. 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IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
McKenzie faces backlash for historical racist comments
The ATM has lodged a formal complaint against Minister McKenzie, citing historical racist remarks and demanding an investigation. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has filed a complaint against Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, accusing him of making racist remarks towards black South Africans. The complaint, submitted to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests, focuses on tweets that the ATM claims contain "racist slurs," including the k-word. The tweets, dating back to 2011 during his time as a businessman, resurfaced at the weekend after McKenzie's party, the Patriotic Alliance, filed criminal charges against Open Chats Podcast hosts Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama following their racist remarks aimed at the coloured community. In the podcast clip, the hosts make several racist comments, claiming that not only do coloured families have sexual relationships with each other (incest), but they also suffer mental issues. In one of his posts, McKenzie criticised the term "Black Diamond" while using a racially charged term that many in South Africa consider reprehensible.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
'GAYTON MUST GO'
In another, he said the slurs were used by coloureds as solely 'descriptive' terms. In one of his posts, he criticised the term 'Black Diamond' and 'Tenderpreneurs' as replacing the k-word as a slur. However, the EFF called this move hypocritical after pointing out McKenzie's use of the K-word in a string of tweets dating back to 2011. McKenzie made headlines last week when he and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) brought criminal charges against the Open Chats podcast for claiming that coloureds are incestuous and are 'crazy'. McKenzie is being accused by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), ActionSA and the African Transformation of using the K-word. GAYTON McKenzie is facing calls to fired as Sports, Arts and Culture Minister. Mr President @CyrilRamaphosa , you appointed a Minister who has publicly uttered deeply offensive and despicable words against Black people. Is this really the vision of unity and inclusivity that the GNU stands for? We demand action NOW! Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. In response, the EFF called for the immediate removal of Gayton McKenzie as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture for his history of hateful, racist Remarks An EFF statement said: 'It is also the height of hypocrisy for McKenzie to demand accountability from others when he himself harbours the same hateful attitudes. 'Recently, when podcasters on Open Chats made offensive remarks about coloured people — calling them 'incestuous' and 'crazy' — McKenzie expressed outrage, opened a case against them, and demanded a public apology. 'While he was right to be offended by prejudice directed at his community, this double standard strips him of any moral or ethical standing to lead on issues of non-racialism and social cohesion. 'Leaving him in office sends the message that the government condones such racism.' The African Transformation Movement (ATM), meanwhile, lodged a complaint against McKenzie to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests. ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula said: '(The) tweets employ language steeped in historical racism, the same kind of degrading rhetoric used to strip black people of their humanity during apartheid and colonial eras.' The complaint asks Parliament's ethics bodies to determine whether the remarks breach the Constitution, the Executive Members' Ethics Act, and the Parliamentary Code of Conduct, and to consider removing McKenzie from his ministerial post. It argues that his continued tenure undermines his office and Parliament. Meanwhile, ActionSA has reported McKenzie to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for the racist remarks he made, which included the use of outdated and degrading slurs from the Apartheid era. However, McKenzie wrote on his X account saying that: 'This whole campaign to find something racist I ever said is hilarious because you have now gone 13 years back and can't bring out one racist thing I ever said. 'I always and still fight that Coloureds and Blacks are one people being treated differently mistakenly.'
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
ATM demands investigation and removal of Minister Gayton McKenzie over racist remarks
African Transformation Movement demands action against Minister McKenzie for racism Image: BackpagePix The African Transformation Movement (ATM) formally lodged a complaint against Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, alleging racist remarks aimed at black South Africans and calling for an urgent investigation and his removal. The complaint, submitted to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests, centers on tweets the ATM said contain 'racist slurs' directed at the black community. McKenzie is embroiled in controversy regarding old social media posts dating back to 2011, shared on X (formerly Twitter) during his time as a businessman. The posts revealed the use of highly offensive racial slur towards blacks. In one of his posts, he criticised the term 'Black Diamond' while using a racially charged term that many in South Africa consider reprehensible. ATM parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula drafted the letter on Saturday. It frames the matter as a constitutional and ethical crisis rather than a political spat. Zungula asserted that the tweets 'contain racially derogatory slurs directed at black South Africans, language that is both indefensible and deeply corrosive to the principles upon which our democracy is built.' He argued that the issue 'is not a matter of political rivalry or petty offence. It is a matter of ethics, constitutional duty, and the moral fabric of the Republic.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In the letter, Zungula further reminded readers of the country's struggle with racial oppression and the purpose of national reconciliation efforts. '(The) tweets employ language steeped in historical racism, the same kind of degrading rhetoric used to strip black people of their humanity during apartheid and colonial eras.' Zungula also criticised McKenzie for what the letter describes as hypocrisy in response to remarks by younger podcasters, stating that ministers carry heavier responsibilities than private individuals. Among the key passages cited by the ATM are calls for accountability and transparency. 'Public trust is the currency of governance. When a Minister openly or historically expresses racial prejudice, without acknowledgment, remorse, or corrective action, that trust is irreparably damaged.' Mr President @CyrilRamaphosa, you appointed a Minister who has publicly uttered deeply offensive and despicable words against Black people. Is this really the vision of unity and inclusivity that the GNU stands for? We demand action NOW! — Vuyo Zungula MP 🇿🇦 (@ZungulaVuyo) August 8, 2025 The letter added that an 'unrepentant Minister cannot credibly lead a department tasked with building cultural bridges and fostering unity.' The complaint asks Parliament's ethics bodies to determine whether the remarks breach the Constitution, the Executive Members' Ethics Act, and the Parliamentary Code of Conduct, and to consider removing McKenzie from his ministerial post. It argues that his continued tenure undermines his office and Parliament. The ATM also invoked several constitutional and statutory provisions, arguing that the Minister's conduct violates principles of non-racialism, equality before the law, the dignity of all people, and the expectations of ethical public service. The party listed specific constitutional sections and ethics codes, including references to Sections 1(b), 9, 10, and 195(1)(e) and (i) of the Constitution, the Executive Members' Ethics Act, and the Parliament's Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests. 'Given the gravity of the matter, I request that the Presidency, Parliament, and the Ethics Committee initiate an immediate and thorough investigation into the Minister's remarks, past and present; determine whether these remarks constitute a breach of the Constitution, the Executive Members' Ethics Act, and the Parliamentary Code of Conduct; and recommend to the President the removal of Minister McKenzie from his position, as his continued tenure undermines the legitimacy of both his office and Parliament.' Requests for comment from the office of Minister McKenzie were not immediately returned.
