SAHRC: Use of K-Word by Sports Minister Gayton Mckenzie ‘Completely Unutterable’
By Thabo Mosia
The South African Human Rights Commission has declared the use of the K-word by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie as ‘completely unutterable’, launching a probe into his old social media posts amid allegations of racism and xenophobia.
Johannesburg – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has strongly condemned the use of the K-word by Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, calling it ‘completely unutterable’ in line with a Constitutional Court ruling. The commission launched a formal investigation on 15 August 2025 after old social media posts resurfaced, showing McKenzie repeatedly using the slur and making xenophobic remarks.
This has sparked widespread outrage, with political parties demanding his removal from cabinet and critics pointing to hypocrisy in his recent anti-racism stance. The SAHRC has given McKenzie until 20 August 2025 to respond, seeking his removal of the posts, a public apology, sensitivity training, and a donation to charity.
The probe stems from complaints filed by political parties like ActionSA on 9 August 2025, as well as individuals and organisations. ActionSA described the remarks as repeated use of hateful slurs from the apartheid era, along with other offensive references that degrade and dehumanise black South Africans. SAHRC Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi explained that the commission acted swiftly after the posts resurfaced on social media over the weekend. Members of the public, political parties, and non-governmental organisations brought complaints, prompting an investigation under the commission’s complaints handling procedure. The commission also initiated its own review, finding prima facie evidence of violations.
The posts, dating back to between 2011 and 2017, include statements like “Black Diamond basically means you a better kaffir, stop naming & giving nonsensical titles 2 Blacks” and a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “A Kaffir sole ambition is 2 collect a certain number of cattle 2 buy a wife with, and then pass his life in indolence and nakedness.” Madlingozi stressed that the Constitutional Court has declared the K-word unlawful and one of the most offensive slurs, falling under section 10 of the Equality Act as hate speech. No one may utter it, whether as a joke or hyperbole. Additionally, xenophobic statements by McKenzie over the past few months are being examined for harassment, defined as utterances that create a hostile environment or demean groups based on origin, a prohibited ground under the Act.
Given McKenzie’s role as a government leader, the SAHRC views his ethical responsibility with greater scrutiny. Madlingozi said it behooves him to behave responsibly and be exemplary in the eyes of the public. McKenzie took an oath of office to uphold and promote the Constitution, making such statements even more concerning. While some argue the posts are old, offences under the Equality Act do not prescribe, and the harm continues as long as they remain online. The commission’s allegation letter demands four actions: remove the posts, make a public apology in a form agreed with the SAHRC, undergo sensitivity training, and pay to a charity chosen together with the commission. Failure to comply could lead to escalation in the Equality Court.
McKenzie has defended himself, denying racism and claiming he is targeted for speaking out against anti-Coloured prejudice. In a Facebook Live address, he said, “You can’t put racism on me, I always tweeted as a black person, so who was I racist against?” He highlighted his mixed heritage, with a black father and Coloured mother, and personal ties like marrying a black woman and having black children. Initially, he apologised, stating, “I did tweet some insensitive, stupid and hurtful things a decade or two ago. I was a troll and stupid. I cringe when seeing them and I am truly sorry for that.” However, he later retracted this apology, insisting he would not apologise even if investigated, and distanced himself from some posts, claiming they were fabricated by AI. He called the allegations a political campaign orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and social media users, expressing worry about disappointing President Cyril Ramaphosa who appointed him.
The controversy erupted after McKenzie threatened legal action against the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast for derogatory remarks about the Coloured community, such as calling them “incestuous” and “crazy”. He suggested they attend race sensitivity training and emphasised restorative justice to avoid criminal records. His Patriotic Alliance party sent a lawyer’s letter to the podcasters and opened a case, leading to the podcast’s removal from MultiChoice platforms. The hosts issued an unconditional apology, but critics labelled McKenzie a hypocrite for demanding accountability from others while facing similar accusations himself. The SAHRC confirmed a meeting with the podcast team on 18 August 2025, where they agreed to all demands, showing the commission’s swift action.
Political reactions have been sharp. The EFF demanded McKenzie’s removal from cabinet, arguing his words reopen apartheid wounds and that placing former gang members in power risks division and hate. They said his outlook remains rooted in disdain for those he claims to serve. ActionSA welcomed the SAHRC probe but questioned the commission’s effectiveness in politically charged cases, vowing to pursue the matter in the Equality Court if needed. Party leader Herman Mashaba criticised McKenzie’s initial apology as inadequate, suggesting he be moved from the Sports, Arts and Culture portfolio, which should unite South Africans rather than divide them on race. The Democratic Alliance stated there should be no double standards on race-based division. Parliament’s Ethics Committee refused to investigate, noting the tweets predate McKenzie’s time as an MP.
Critics like radio host Sizwe Dhlomo and activist Melisizwe Mandela have called for McKenzie’s removal, framing racism as a system of power rather than just personal prejudice. Mandela challenged McKenzie’s understanding, noting internalised racism can affect anyone. The scandal has reignited debates on race, identity, and historical trauma between black and Coloured communities.
Madlingozi highlighted the SAHRC’s role beyond reactive measures, pointing to their six-year campaign launched in March 2024, “Promoting a Culture of Human Rights Through the Resolution of the National Question.” This initiative addresses root causes like failed nation-building, unfinished decolonisation, redress, redistribution, and reparation. It includes dialogues, sensitivity training, and strategic litigation to foster a collective sense of belonging.
Madlingozi urged South Africans, especially young people, to continue robust debates on social media without self-censorship, as it is the lifeblood of democracy. However, he warned that section 16 of the Constitution and the Equality Act limit freedom of expression – no propagating hatred or inciting violence. He called for difficult conversations on identity, questioning apartheid-era racial categories that divide rather than unite, while using them for redress. The commission has proven effective in past cases, like former MP Renaldo Gouws who apologised and underwent sensitivity training, and inquiries into load reduction in townships, holding the state accountable on socio-economic rights.
As the deadline approaches, public eyes are on McKenzie’s response. He has vowed to subject himself to investigation but threatened to reveal shocking information if pushed. This case tests accountability for public officials and South Africa’s commitment to a non-racial society, where past words still cause ongoing harm. The SAHRC insists investigations proceed without fear, favour, or prejudice, ensuring dignity and equality for all.
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