The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will urgently approach the Equality Court to take legal action against Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie over historic tweets (2011–2017) containing racial slurs, including the “k-word,” and alleged xenophobic remarks.
The Commission says McKenzie’s comments appear to breach the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.
Media Statement on recent incidences pic.twitter.com/h71N4yPjAK
— SAHRCommission (@SAHRCommission) September 2, 2025
“Consequently, the Commission sent an allegation letter to Minister McKenzie. The Commission has not received a response from the minister. The Commission has taken a decision to urgently take the matter to the Equality Court as empowered by section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission.”
The posts resurfaced after McKenzie commented on racially charged remarks from the Open Chats podcast, prompting new complaints.
McKenzie has rejected the SAHRC’s move as premature and unfair, claiming he was not given a fair chance to respond. He insists his tweets did not intend to harm or incite hatred, though the Equality Act considers both intent and impact.
The SAHRC’s case forms part of broader efforts to hold public figures accountable for discriminatory speech, alongside investigations into other racial incidents in South Africa.
First published on African Insider
Words compiled by: Betha Madhomu
Also see: WATCH | ‘I did nothing wrong’: Lumka Oliphant hits back at Minister
