Johannesburg — Media personality Sizwe Dhlomo has demanded the removal of Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet, after resurfaced apartheid-era racist remarks prompted a formal complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
On Saturday, 9 August, political party ActionSA lodged a complaint with the SAHRC, accusing McKenzie of making derogatory racial comments in the past. The party has signalled it may escalate the matter to the Equality Court under Section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act if necessary.
ActionSA Takes Legal Route
ActionSA MP Alan Beesley stressed the importance of due process:
“The SAHRC remains the constitutionally empowered institution mandated to address such matters. We will follow the prescribed process, but are prepared to independently institute proceedings at the Equality Court if required.”
Party leader Herman Mashaba amplified the statement on X, describing the allegations as “deeply disturbing” and urging McKenzie to apologise.
Dhlomo: “No, He Must Just Get Fired”
Dhlomo dismissed the idea of an apology, responding bluntly on X:
“No, he must just get fired. End of story.”
His comments sparked mixed reactions online. Some argued dismissal would have little political impact given the Patriotic Alliance’s parliamentary presence, while others questioned why such remarks weren’t flagged during Cabinet vetting.
Past Controversies Resurface
The uproar comes shortly after McKenzie himself pushed for legal action against the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast, who made offensive comments about the coloured community — accusing families of incest and mental illness.
At the time, McKenzie said:
“If coloured people had made similar remarks about other races, it would have made front-page news.”
Now facing similar accusations, the Minister has strongly denied ever using racial slurs.
“I never thought I would be accused of racism. In my life, I have never called anyone the K-word,” he told reporters.
McKenzie dismissed the controversy as a politically motivated campaign driven by the EFF and certain online influencers, claiming the posts being circulated are over a decade old and asking:
“Who are the victims?”
Cabinet Vetting Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited debate over how thoroughly political appointees are screened before joining government. Critics argue that any history of racist remarks — even if historic — should be considered a red flag for leadership roles in a democratic, post-apartheid South Africa.
With the SAHRC investigation pending and calls for McKenzie’s dismissal mounting, the controversy is likely to remain a flashpoint in the coming weeks.
