SAHRC Probes Gayton McKenzie Over Racial Slur Tweets Amid Equality Court Threat

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an investigation into Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie after a series of old tweets resurfaced in which he allegedly used the “k-word.”

The posts, dating between 2011 and 2017, emerged while McKenzie was condemning the Open Chats Podcast for making degrading remarks about the coloured community.

However, the spotlight quickly shifted when social media users unearthed McKenzie’s past posts, which reportedly contained racial slurs targeting black South Africans.

Gayton McKenzie denied the allegations of racism, claiming that the uproar was politically driven and linked to a campaign by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Despite his defence, ActionSA lodged a formal complaint with the SAHRC, which confirmed that it is investigating the minister’s “offensive posts” for possible hate speech.

Equality Court Proceedings on the Table

In a statement issued on Friday, the SAHRC confirmed that it had received multiple complaints from political parties and individuals, including concerns about alleged xenophobic remarks by McKenzie.

“The commission has opened an investigation following receipt of several complaints… The commission has also noted outrage on social media and in the press regarding these utterances,” 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

The watchdog stressed that McKenzie’s remarks may constitute violations of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, also known as the Equality Act. As part of the process, McKenzie has been sent an allegation letter, with the commission noting that the matter could ultimately be referred to the Equality Court.

The SAHRC added that while freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, “it is not absolute,” and hate speech is prohibited under South African law.

Calls for Accountability Grow

ActionSA welcomed the probe, saying McKenzie must face consequences for his words.

“We maintain that South Africa cannot have a sitting Cabinet Minister who holds such views, whether past or present, without being held to account,” ActionSA MP Alan Beesley said.

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The party also urged the SAHRC to provide an update on its investigation into the Open Chats Podcast, which came under fire earlier this year for remarks targeting the coloured community.

“Racism must be confronted with consequences, no matter who the perpetrator is or their status in society,” ActionSA added.

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