Under fire over resurfaced racial slurs, South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister admits regret—but insists, “try some other take down.” As political factions demand accountability, can his defense withstand the storm?
A minister confronts the past—and an unforgiving public
The political heat is rising in South Africa. Gayton McKenzie, serving as the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, recently found himself embroiled in controversy after old social media posts—featuring a highly offensive racial slur commonly referred to as the “K-word”—resurfaced, igniting calls for his resignation.(The South African, Mingooland, Youth Village)
Across social media and from political corners, criticism came swift. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) lodged formal complaints with the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics, terming the remarks “racially derogatory” and contrary to democratic principles.(Mingooland)
Meanwhile, ActionSA reported McKenzie to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), accusing him of using apartheid-era slurs that dehumanised Black South Africans—not a stance taken lightly.(Briefly, Mingooland)
“I can never be guilty of racism”—a defense in a digital age
Confronted by mounting pressure, McKenzie took to X (formerly Twitter) to deliver a public response. He acknowledged, “I did tweet some insensitive, stupid and hurtful things a decade or two ago… I cringe when seeing them and I am truly sorry for that. I shall subject myself to the investigation.” Yet he drew a firm line: “I can never be guilty of racism”—he wrote—“try some other take down but never racism.”(Briefly, The South African)
Doubling down on his identity and intentions, McKenzie highlighted his personal background: “I’m the son of a black woman, I have children with a black woman…” and emphasized his lifelong fight for equitable treatment between Black and Coloured communities.(Briefly, The South African)
Hypocrisy claimed, accountability demanded
Critics were swift, calling his apology hollow. One commentator pointed out the inconsistency between his aggressive action against the Open Chats Podcast—which aired racist remarks about the Coloured community—and his own use of racial slurs in the past.(Mbono News, The South African, OkayAfrica, Youth Village)
Former DA MP Renaldo Gouws, himself once embroiled in a similar controversy, questioned McKenzie directly: “How can you condemn the racism of others if you haven’t dealt with your own?” The mirror was held up—and it wasn’t flattering.(The South African)
Investigation underway—public trust in the balance
ActionSA’s formal complaint triggered an official probe by the SAHRC, and although the Public Protector is concluding a separate investigation into different allegations against McKenzie by month-end, the spotlight on this case remains fierce.(Sunday World)
With the country watching, political parties like the EFF and ATM continue to call for his immediate removal, arguing South Africa’s leaders should exemplify values of inclusivity—not divisiveness.
A broader reckoning beyond one man
This controversy transcends one individual. It calls into focus:
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The lasting weight of online words: Social media posts from years ago still hold people accountable in powerful ways.
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Questions of redemption: When is an apology enough, and when must greater consequences follow?
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Representation matters: As a minister, McKenzie’s words carry national influence—especially in portfolios like arts and culture that rely on inclusivity.
To the reader: What do you think?
Does McKenzie’s apology ring true, or is it too little too late? Should he step down, or can he still serve with integrity? Share your perspective below—thoughtfully, boldly, and respectfully. Use #McKenzieAccountability to join the conversation.
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SOURCES
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Ramaphosa asked to take action against ‘racist’ minister Gayton McKenzie — The Citizen
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Gayton McKenzie responds to racism accusations — The South African
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Gayton McKenzie apologises for racist tweets, South Africans reject apology — Briefly News
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Minister Gayton McKenzie responds to racist remarks amid SAHRC complaint — Briefly News
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Call for action against McKenzie following alleged racist posts — Mingooland
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Gayton’s K-word, racist tweets go viral – call for minister to resign — The South African
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Renaldo Gouws claps back at Gayton’s K-word bombshell — The South African
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“I’m coming for them” – Gayton McKenzie launches legal war over racist Open Chats Podcast remarks — Mbononews
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Public Protector to conclude Gayton McKenzie probe next month — Sunday World
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Gayton McKenzie’s Wikipedia entry — Wikipedia
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