Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – The South African Human Rights Commission (HRC) has confirmed that it is investigating Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie over his old social media posts, which included the use of the hated racial slur “kaffir”. McKenzie faced a public backlash after posts he made on X, between 2011 and 2017 recently resurfaced.
McKenzie, who is of mixed race, has denied being racist, insisting that the uproar is part of a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by political opponents.
The ActionSA opposition party lodged a complaint with the Commission, which has confirmed that it is investigating the “offensive posts” for hate speech.
“The Commission has opened an investigation following receipt of several complaints from political parties and individuals regarding the posts and alleged xenophobic utterances by Minister McKenzie. The Commission has also noted outrage on social media and in the press regarding these utterances," the HRC said. It indicated that McKenzie’s comments could constitute prima facie violations of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act
After spending eight years in jail from age 21 for armed robbery, McKenzie came to prominence in the early 2000s for his role in a prison exposé. After his release from jail, he became a businessman, motivational speaker and politician.
-0- PANA CU/MA 18Aug2025
