South African Minister Gayton McKenzie Faces Calls for Resignation Over Resurfaced Racist Tweets Using "Kaffirs" Slur.

 

The term "Kaffirs" has sparked widespread outrage in South Africa, primarily due to Patriotic Alliance founder and current Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, facing intense backlash for his repeated use of the word to refer to black people over several years. This derogatory slur, historically rooted in colonial and apartheid-era racism, is legally recognized as hate speech in South Africa, with courts and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) having ruled against its use in various cases, such as SAHRC v. others, emphasizing its role in dehumanizing and discriminating against black South Africans. McKenzie's past social media posts, dating back to at least 2013, 2015, and 2017, have resurfaced, showing him employing the term in a pejorative manner, including references to "kaffir mentality" and other inflammatory contexts that critics argue perpetuate division between colored and black communities.

In response to the mounting criticism, Action SA has formally reported McKenzie to the SAHRC, accusing him of repeatedly using "Kaffirs" to dehumanize black South Africans and calling for accountability under hate speech laws. Online reactions have been fervent, with numerous netizens demanding his immediate resignation from his ministerial position, arguing that a leader with a history of such language is unfit to represent a diverse nation still healing from racial divisions. Some have drawn parallels to historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, whom McKenzie has quoted in past statements, noting Gandhi's own controversial use of the term during his time in South Africa, which has fueled further debate about cultural and political influences. Additionally, McKenzie has been criticized for referring to Indian South Africans as "Kulis," another derogatory term, amplifying calls for his removal.

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McKenzie has defended himself in recent statements, dismissing the controversy as a "hilarious" campaign to unearth old remarks, insisting that he has consistently advocated for unity between colored and black South Africans, treating them as one people facing differential treatment. Despite this, public sentiment appears divided, with polls and discussions questioning his fitness for office, and some expressing surprise that his background as a former convict and known "thug" didn't raise red flags earlier. The issue has also intersected with broader political tensions, including references to the African National Congress (ANC), the Government of National Unity (GNU), and anti-foreigner sentiments, with some users celebrating the scrutiny as a potential setback for McKenzie's Patriotic Alliance party.

This scandal highlights ongoing challenges in South African politics regarding racial reconciliation, with McKenzie's role in the cabinet under President Cyril Ramaphosa drawing particular ire from those demanding his ouster. As of now, no official response from the government has been issued, but the SAHRC investigation could lead to formal sanctions if the complaints are upheld.

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