ActionSA Reports Sports Minister to Human Rights Commission Over Alleged Racist Tweets

The Complaint

ActionSA has lodged a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against Sports Minister and Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie. The complaint centers on alleged racist remarks found in old tweets from McKenzie’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

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

ActionSA’s Stance

In a strongly worded statement, ActionSA emphasized its commitment to non-racialism, calling it 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 for Now

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

"There will be no comment at this stage."

The lack of response leaves unanswered questions about whether McKenzie will address the allegations directly.

Why This Matters

• Accountability in Leadership: Public figures are under increasing pressure to answer for past statements.
• Race & Reconciliation: The complaint touches on raw nerves in SA’s ongoing reckoning with its past.
• Political Fallout: With elections looming, the controversy could sway public opinion.

What’s Next?

The SAHRC will now assess whether to investigate. Meanwhile, public debate is heating up—will McKenzie apologize, or will he dismiss the claims as "old news"?