ActionSA Files Racism Complaint Against Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie

ActionSA has lodged a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against Sports Minister and Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie over allegedly racist tweets from his X (formerly Twitter) account.

The party claims the posts contain “hateful slurs from the Apartheid era” and other offensive language that “degrades and dehumanizes Black South Africans.”

READ: ActionSA Rejects McKenzie's Apology, Calls for His Removal from Arts & Culture Portfolio

ActionSA’s Stance

In a strongly worded statement, ActionSA emphasized its commitment to non-racialism as a founding and defining value.

"We will not stand by while public figures use language that undermines human dignity," the party declared. "This is about accountability—no one is above scrutiny, especially those in leadership."

PA’s Response: Silence

When contacted, Patriotic Alliance spokesperson Steve Motale declined to comment, stating:

"There will be no comment at this stage."

McKenzie has yet to address the allegations directly, leaving the public and political observers in suspense.

Why This Matters

• Accountability in Leadership: Public figures are increasingly under pressure to answer for past statements.
• Race & Reconciliation: The complaint touches on sensitive issues in South Africa’s ongoing reckoning with its Apartheid past.
• Political Fallout: With elections approaching, the controversy could influence public opinion and voter behavior.

READ: "SA Still Has a Race Problem" - Diversity Expert Calls for McKenzie's Resignation Over Racist Remarks

What’s Next

The SAHRC will now assess whether to launch an investigation. Meanwhile, public debate is heating up: will McKenzie apologize or dismiss the claims as “old news”?

This case underscores the growing expectation that leaders be held accountable for past and present statements, particularly those with racial implications.