South African authorities have launched a formal investigation into Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie following allegations of racism and xenophobia.
The probe was initiated by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) after decade-old social media posts attributed to McKenzie resurfaced last week, prompting complaints from political parties and members of the public.
In tweets allegedly posted in 2013, the mixed-race minister reportedly used the derogatory term “kaffir” to refer to Black people.
The term, often referred to euphemistically as the “k-word,” is considered one of the most offensive racial slurs in South African history.
Derived from the Arabic word kafir, meaning “non-believer,” it was historically employed by colonial powers and entrenched under apartheid as a pejorative label for Black Africans.
In a statement on Sunday, the SAHRC said McKenzie’s alleged remarks could violate the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, also known as the Equality Act.
“After reviewing the content, the commission finds that the remarks made by Minister McKenzie constitute prima facie breaches of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act,” the SAHRC said.
The commission added that it has sent a formal letter of allegations to McKenzie and will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include proceedings before the Equality Tribunal, in line with the South African Human Rights Commission Act and the Equality Act. McKenzie has until Wednesday to respond.
The resurfacing of these posts has reignited public outrage and renewed scrutiny of the minister’s past statements.
The SAHRC emphasised that freedom of expression does not extend to hate speech, which is prohibited under South African law.
McKenzie, who represents the Patriotic Alliance in the Government of National Unity, denied the allegations, calling the investigation a politically motivated campaign aimed at tarnishing his image. He is known for his hardline stance against foreign nationals from other African countries.
Political parties including Action South Africa have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove McKenzie from office, intensifying the debate over accountability and racial sensitivity in public life.
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