The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched a formal investigation into Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie over allegations of racism and xenophobia following the resurfacing of offensive social media posts.
The probe was triggered by complaints from political parties and members of the public after decade-old tweets allegedly authored by McKenzie re-emerged last week, including posts containing the racial slur.
In social media posts, dating back to 2013, the mixed-race minister allegedly used the derogatory term “kaffir” to refer to black people.
The term, often referred to euphemistically as the K-word, is one of the most offensive racial slurs in South African history.
Originally derived from the Arabic word kāfir, meaning “non-believer,” the term was historically used by colonial powers and later entrenched under apartheid as a derogatory label for black Africans.
In a statement on Sunday, the SAHRC said the minister’s alleged remarks may constitute violations of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act).
“After assessment of the contents, the commission is of the view that utterances made by minister McKenzie are prima facie violations of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act),” the SAHRC said.
“Consequently, the commission has sent an allegation letter to minister McKenzie. Thereafter, the commission will determine the best way forward, which may include instituting proceedings in the relevant Equality Court as per the South African Human Rights Commission Act read with the Equality Act.”
McKenzie has until Wednesday to respond to the commission’s letter of allegations.
The posts sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of McKenzie’s past rhetoric.
The commission also reminded the public that freedom of expression does not extend to hate speech, which is prohibited under both the Equality Act and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act.
McKenzie, a mixed-race individual, has denied the allegations, describing the probe as a political campaign to tarnish his image.
Political parties such as Action South Africa have since called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove McKenzie from his position.
McKenzie represents the opposition Patriotic Alliance in South Africa’s government of national unity.
He is widely known for his hardline stance against foreign nationals from other African countries.
JN/APA