SAHRC Investigates Gayton McKenzie for Racial Slurs on Twitter Following Equality Court Warning
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has initiated an inquiry into Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie following the revival of older tweets in which he allegedly used the “k-word.”
The tweets, dating back from 2011 to 2017, came to light while McKenzie was denouncing the Open Chats Podcast for making derogatory comments about the coloured community.
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However, attention quickly turned when users on social media discovered McKenzie’s past posts, which allegedly included racial slurs directed at black South Africans.
Gayton McKenzie has rejected the racism allegations, stating that the uproar was politically motivated and part of a campaign by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). In response, ActionSA filed a formal complaint with the SAHRC, which confirmed that it is looking into the minister’s “offensive posts” for potential hate speech.
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Equality Court Proceedings Under Consideration
In a statement released on Friday, the SAHRC confirmed it has received numerous complaints from political parties and individuals, including allegations of xenophobic comments made by McKenzie.
“The commission has opened an investigation following the receipt of several complaints… The commission has also noticed outrage on social media and in the press regarding these comments,” it said.
Media Statement: South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on the ‘k- word’ posts and alleged xenophobic utterances by Minister Gayton McKenzie pic.twitter.com/Kxmt3aIfAw
— SAHRCommission (@SAHRCommission) August 15, 2025
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The watchdog emphasized that McKenzie’s statements might breach the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, also referred to as the Equality Act. As part of the process, McKenzie has been issued a letter regarding the allegations, with the commission noting that the matter could eventually be submitted to the Equality Court.
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The SAHRC added that while freedom of expression is safeguarded under the Constitution, “it is not absolute,” and hate speech is outlawed under South African law.
Demands for Accountability Increase
ActionSA welcomed the investigation, asserting that McKenzie must be held accountable for his remarks.
“We maintain that South Africa cannot have a sitting Cabinet Minister who harbors such views, whether past or present, without facing scrutiny,” said ActionSA MP Alan Beesley.
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The party also called on the SAHRC to provide updates regarding its investigation into the Open Chats Podcast, which faced criticism earlier this year for comments made about the coloured community.
“Racism must be addressed with repercussions, regardless of who the offender is or their societal standing,” ActionSA stated.
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