SAHRC Launches Investigation into Gayton McKenzie for Racial Slurs on Twitter After Equality Court Notice
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an inquiry into Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie following the resurfacing of older tweets in which he supposedly used the “k-word.”
The tweets, originating from 2011 to 2017, came to light as McKenzie criticized the Open Chats Podcast for making offensive remarks about the coloured community.
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However, focus quickly shifted when social media users uncovered McKenzie’s past posts, which reportedly included racial slurs aimed at black South Africans.
Gayton McKenzie has dismissed the racism claims, asserting that the backlash is politically driven and part of a scheme by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). In response, ActionSA filed a formal complaint with the SAHRC, which confirmed it is investigating the minister’s “offensive posts” for possible hate speech.
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Potential Equality Court Actions Being Considered
In a statement released on Friday, the SAHRC announced that it has received several complaints from political entities and individuals, including accusations of xenophobic remarks made by McKenzie.
“The commission has initiated an investigation following multiple complaints received… The commission has also noted significant outrage on social media and in the press regarding these statements,” 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 highlighted that McKenzie’s statements could potentially violate the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, commonly known as the Equality Act. As part of the inquiry, McKenzie has received a correspondence regarding the allegations, with the commission indicating that the case may eventually be brought before the Equality Court.
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The SAHRC also noted that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, “it is not absolute,” and hate speech is prohibited under South African legislation.
Calls for Accountability Intensify
ActionSA welcomed the inquiry, asserting that McKenzie must face accountability for his comments.
“We believe that South Africa cannot allow a serving Cabinet Minister with such views, whether past or present, to evade criticism,” stated ActionSA MP Alan Beesley.
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The party has also urged the SAHRC to keep them informed about its investigation into the Open Chats Podcast, which faced backlash earlier this year over comments directed at the coloured community.
“Racism must be confronted with consequences, irrespective of the offender’s identity or societal status,” ActionSA asserted.
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