Gayton McKenzie Faces Investigation After K-Word Uproar

From live video to political storm

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has found himself at the centre of a national controversy after using the K-word in a recent live video and facing scrutiny over older social media posts containing racial slurs.

McKenzie confirmed on Monday that he would “subject [himself] to the investigation” amid mounting calls for his removal from office. The backlash has been swift and fierce, with political parties across the spectrum demanding accountability.

Political parties push for action

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), ActionSA, and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) have all called for a formal probe into the matter. The ATM has gone further, filing complaints with the Presidency, Parliament, and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.

In its letter, the ATM described McKenzie’s past posts as “indefensible” and “deeply corrosive to the principles upon which our democracy is built.”

McKenzie’s defence: ‘I’m not racist’

McKenzie, who also serves as president of the Patriotic Alliance, insists the controversy is being used as a political weapon. He admits to having posted “insensitive, stupid and hurtful things” a decade or two ago, calling himself “a troll” at the time, but says the remarks do not reflect his true beliefs.

“I can never be guilty of racism. Try some other take down, but never racism,” he wrote on X. He pointed to his own background, a black mother, children with a black woman and a personal history of advocating for unity between black and Coloured South Africans.

“I fought my whole life for the same treatment between black and Coloured people because we fought the same struggle,” he said.

The bigger conversation about language and politics

The incident has reignited debates in South Africa about the power of racial slurs, the responsibilities of public officials, and whether past online behaviour should determine someone’s fitness for office.

On social media, opinions are divided. Some argue that McKenzie’s record as a politician should be judged on his actions in office, while others believe that anyone using language rooted in apartheid-era oppression has no place in government.

In a country where racial wounds remain raw, the controversy serves as another reminder that the words leaders choose even from decades ago, can have enduring consequences.

The investigation will now determine whether McKenzie’s comments breach parliamentary ethics rules or warrant further action. Until then, the political spotlight remains firmly on him.

{Source: IOL}

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