Latest news with #ExecutiveMembers'EthicsAct
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
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Gayton McKenzie at centre of political storm over his past utterances
Lindsay Dentlinger 10 August 2025 | 10:18 Gayton McKenzie Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Open Chats podcast FILE: Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Picture: @SportArtsCultur/X CAPE TOWN - Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has found himself at the centre of a political storm since announcing he plans to sue podcasters who made derogatory statements about coloured people. Instead, it's McKenzie who's facing backlash, with his past utterances being dug up on social media. From complaints lodged with Parliament and the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), to calling for him to lose his Cabinet job, his political opponents are now coming after the Patriotic Alliance leader, accusing him of stirring racial divisions. ALSO READ: • Calls mount for Gayton McKenzie to be removed as sports minister amid racism claims • ActionSA lodges complaint with SAHRC against Gayton McKenzie for racist remarks • PA lays criminal complaint against Open Chats podcasters for insulting coloured community While initially agreeing with McKenzie that the Open Chats podcasters should face repercussions for insulting the coloured community, political parties are now turning the tables on him. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) said it had written to Parliament's ethics committee to investigate McKenzie's past use of racial slurs in his social media posts. ATM parliamentary leader, Vuyo Zungula, said that McKenzie's use of language towards black people was indefensible and corrosive. He wants McKenzie to be investigated in terms of the Executive Members' Ethics Act and the parliamentary code of conduct. Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) thinks he should be axed from Cabinet, saying that his job requires him to promote unity and inclusion of the country's diverse heritage. Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, said there could be no double standards in the handling of this matter. "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 said it had reported McKenzie to the SAHRC for his social media posts.
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mashatile fined for failing to declare diamond gift from Louis Liebenberg
The diamond was handed over to the NPA. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has been found guilty by Parliament's ethics committee for failing to declare a diamond gift received by his wife, Humile Mashatile, from controversial businessman Louis Liebenberg. Mashatile has also been in the spotlight due to his high-end lifestyle, luxury properties, and associations with corruption-accused individuals such as Edwin Sodi. According to the deputy president's office, the diamond was undergoing verification to determine its authenticity and would be declared once the verification process was complete. The office also stated that the diamond would be returned following the arrest of Louis Liebenberg last year on charges of fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering. Despite this, a formal complaint was lodged with the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests. Parliament fines Mashatile over Liebenberg diamond Following an investigation, the committee fined Mashatile for not disclosing the 'unsolicited' gift to his wife in the parliamentary register. 'The committee, through the office of the registrar, received a formal complaint against the deputy president on 5 March 2025 for an alleged breach of the code of ethical conduct and members' Interests. ALSO READ: Mashatile reveals he spent R2.3m on travel, food, and laundry for Japan trip 'Item 13(3)(f) of the code requires members of parliament to disclose gifts received by their immediate family in the confidential part of the register,' Parliament's statement read on Thursday. 'Following consideration of the complaint and perusal of the confidential part of the deputy president's disclosed interests, the committee noted that the gift in question (a diamond from Mr Louis Liebenberg) was not disclosed.' Diamond with NPA Mashatile confirmed to the committee the precious stone had since been handed over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). However, the committee argued that ethical conduct required the gift to be declared promptly, with its value to be determined and disclosed later. In addition to the fine, the committee has recommended that Mashatile be officially reprimanded in the National Assembly. 'The committee remains steadfast in its quest to ensure accountability of all members of parliament as demanded by the code. The disclosure process not only facilitates public trust in Parliament but also enhances its credibility.' READ MORE: Should Paul Mashatile be president? This ANC veteran thinks so Earlier this year, opposition party ActionSA called on the Public Protector to investigate the diamond gift and whether there were any breaches of the Executive Members' Ethics Act. 'Alarmingly, this 'gift' raises serious concerns when viewed in the context of allegations surrounding the deputy president's unexplained lavish lifestyle, claims that he too engages heavily in trading favours, and Liebenberg's reputation for 'gifting' extravagant items to high-ranking politicians and government officials as a means to buy influence,' the party said in a statement at the time. Mashatile's property declarations Mashatile recently declared ownership of a R28.9 million estate in Constantia, Cape Town, despite previously denying any property ownership in the area. In October 2024, the deputy president's office insisted that he had no properties in Cape Town aside from a house in Kelvin, Johannesburg, purchased through a bank loan with his late wife. At the time, the Constantia property was said to belong to a company linked to his son-in-law. However, new disclosures made this year list the 4 000-square-metre Constantia house as Mashatile's, along with a 9 300-square-metre home in Waterfall, Midrand, reportedly valued at R37 million and the Kelvin residence. The Hawks are currently investigating Mashatile following criminal charges laid by the DA. Last year, Mashatile declared ownership of two properties, one located in Midrand spanning 1 000 by 1 200 square metres, and another in Sandton covering 600 by 800 square metres. NOW READ: Mashatile denies family tied to multibillion-rand lottery deal
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ramaphosa's family meeting: What's next for Police Minister Senzo Mchunu?
President Cyril Ramaphosa called a family meeting on Sunday to decide Senzo Mchunu's fate. Image: Jairus Mmutle/GCIS President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a family meeting on Sunday to address allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police leadership are linked to a criminal syndicate with ties to drug cartels. This comes as the DA, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), and the EFF on Thursday lodged criminal complaints against Mchunu, accusing him of misleading Parliament and being linked to individuals allegedly involved in the capture of the SAPS. The allegations that recently rocked the country were made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who claimed that Mchunu was working with businessmen Brown Mogotsi and Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. Mkhwanazi said Mchunu ordered the unilateral disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team in KZN and transferred 121 politically sensitive dockets to Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya's office, where they have since been allegedly "neutralised". The DA lodged a criminal complaint at Cape Town Central police station, as the MKP opened a case against Mchunu and Sibiya at the Brooklyn police station, and the EFF lodged a complaint with the Ethics Committee of Parliament against Mchunu, accusing him of interfering with the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the SAPS and violating the Constitution and the Executive Members' Ethics Act. The DA said it expected Ramaphosa to act against Mchunu. 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 MKP party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said 'we refuse to stand idle in the face of injustice and remain dedicated to upholding the course of the law', while EFF MP Nontando Nolutshungu said Mchunu's actions were a clear breach of the law and parliamentary ethics. Ramaphosa's televised address, scheduled for 7pm, will provide clarity on the claims made by Mkhwanazi. According to a statement from the Presidency, Ramaphosa will 'take the nation into his confidence' following engagements. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Charges laid against Mchunu, pressure mounts for Ramaphosa to break act amid national security concerns
Ramaphosa is expected to meet with both Mchunu and Mkhawanazi before the end of the week. The political noose seems to be getting tighter and tighter around the neck of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. On Thursday, the DA laid criminal charges against him at the Cape Town police station for allegedly misleading parliament. Mchunu is accused of lying to the portfolio committee of police after he initially denied knowing Brown Mogotsi, a man accused of playing a role in capturing the South African Police Service (Saps). In March this year, Mchunu denied knowing Mogotsi. Yet, in a public statement on 9 July, the minister admitted that he does in fact know Mogotsi, describing him as 'a comrade'. DA deputy Chief Whip, Baxolile Nodada, said Mchunu's contradictory remarks raise grave concerns about his misleading of parliament. 'It is a criminal act to mislead parliament in terms of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act. 'The minister committed fraud by knowingly making a false statement with the intent to mislead parliament,' said Nodada. Nodada said Mchunu has violated the Powers and Privileges Act, which criminalises any attempt to mislead or obstruct parliament or its committees. 'It is simply unacceptable for a sitting minister to evade accountability while surrounded by allegations of corruption, links to criminal syndicates, and efforts to shield politically connected individuals from scrutiny,' he said. Where is the president? He criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa's inaction in the face of this growing scandal. 'It is indefensible. Four days after the explosive revelations by KwaZulu-Natal's provincial police commissioner, the president has neither acted against Minister Mchunu nor initiated any credible investigation,' he said. MK party lays criminal charges against Mchunu The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party also laid criminal charges against Mchunu for the same matter. 'We have opened criminal cases against Minister Mchunu, who is charged with obstructing and defeating the course of justice, abuse of power and criminal conspiracy aimed at undermining lawful investigations,' said party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela. The party has also opened a case against Mchunu for unlawfully issuing executive instructions to disband the Political Killings Task Team and using intimidation tactics against whistleblowers and law enforcement officers. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa urged to act fast amid explosive Saps feud EFF initiates Parliamentary disciplinary processes Meanwhile, the EFF has submitted an official affidavit to Parliament's Ethics Committee accusing Mchunu of breaching the Executive Members' Ethics Act and the 2014 Parliamentary Code of Conduct. 'The complaint, filed by EFF Chief Whip Nontando Nolutshungu, calls for a full investigation and accountability at the highest level of executive office,' said the party in a statement. NOW READ: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: Reputation of police now 'dented'
