South Africa’s Human Rights Commission is investigating Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie over old social media posts. The posts, more than a decade old, included use of the K-word, the slur used against black people during apartheid. McKenzie has until Wednesday to respond.
Screenshots show the minister, who is of mixed heritage, used the word on his X account. The term “kaffir” was the most brutal insult of the apartheid years, a symbol of dehumanisation.
The issue came up again in July. McKenzie had been attacking a podcast for insulting coloured people, South Africa’s name for its mixed-race community. He called for zero tolerance for racists. Soon after, users dug up his own posts.
McKenzie leads the Patriotic Alliance, a party that made gains in recent elections. The group joined President Cyril Ramaphosa’s coalition after the ANC lost its majority.
The minister has partly apologised. He said he regrets the language but argued in a Facebook live video that he saw himself as black at the time. His mother is Sotho, he said, and his references included himself.
The Human Rights Commission has ordered him to delete the posts and issue a public apology. Its mandate is to address rights violations and seek redress.
The case comes with political weight. McKenzie’s party draws much of its support from coloured voters, about eight percent of the population, who often feel caught between apartheid categories.
Analysts say the controversy exposes deeper divides. Diversity consultant Terry Oakley-Smith said it is unusual because of who used the word. Professor Kedibone Phago said the row reflects systemic problems that need state intervention.
McKenzie’s position is now under pressure. His role is meant to foster unity. The Commission’s ruling and Ramaphosa’s response will decide if he keeps his post.
