Minister McKenzie's Racial Slur Conroversy Sparks Outrage

Minister Gayton McKenzie

Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is facing intense scrutiny after old tweets containing racial slurs resurfaced, sparking widespread outrage.

 The leader of Patriotic Alliance(PA) McKenzie has apologized for the tweets, saying they were "insensitive, stupid and hurtful" and has offered to cooperate with an investigation.

Despite this, several political parties, including ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement (ATM), are gunning McKenzie and demanding his removal from office.

McKenzie's past tweets, dating back to between 2011 and 2017, feature the use of the K-word, a highly offensive racial slur in South Africa. He claims he used the term to highlight harmful racial attitudes rather than validate them. However, many black South Africans argue that as a colored person, McKenzie shouldn't use the term in any context.

ActionSA lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and is prepared to take independent action in the Equality Court.

ATM submitted a complaint to the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests, calling for McKenzie's removal.

The Democratic Alliance Expects severe consequences for McKenzie, similar to those faced by their own MP Renaldo Gouws, who was axed after a video surfaced showing him using the K-word.

- PA: Stands firmly behind McKenzie, with co-founder Kenny Kunene defending him despite Kunene's own past controversies, including misogynistic tweets.

McKenzie denies being racist, pointing to his mixed heritage and relationships. He attributes the tweets to being "mischievous online" and claims the current outrage is part of a political campaign orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and social media influencers ².

Parliament's Ethics Committee has declined to investigate McKenzie due to the tweets predating his membership. However, the SAHRC may still take action. McKenzie's situation raises questions about accountability, free speech, and the complexities of racial identity in South Africa.