South Africa’s political scene is buzzing after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) made a bold call: they want Gayton McKenzie out of his role as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture.
Why? Because a series of old but deeply troubling racist comments he made about black people have come back into the spotlight, sparking outrage.
Disturbing Language Sparks Outcry
In a storm of viral tweets, McKenzie used the apartheid-era racial slur “kaffir” to describe black South Africans.
He even quoted Gandhi—who himself had racist views early in his life—claiming black people lack ambition beyond “collecting cattle to buy a wife” and living in “indolence and nakedness.” The hurtful rhetoric didn’t stop there.
He also dismissed terms like “tenderpreneur” and “Black Diamond” as just meaning “a better kaffir,” implying black people remain inferior no matter their success.
On top of that, he made demeaning remarks about African women, calling them “ape looking.”
EFF Calls Out Deep Harm and Hypocrisy
The EFF slammed these comments as more than just “slips of the tongue.”
They argue these words are deliberate and deeply harmful, echoing the language of white supremacists and apartheid defenders, reopening old wounds for generations who suffered under systemic racism.
They reminded everyone that South Africa has precedent for removing politicians for racist remarks — like Renaldo Gouws, who lost his position after offensive comments.
The EFF believes McKenzie’s remarks are just as damaging, especially because they come from someone of coloured heritage who seems to weaponize oppressor language against black people.
They also pointed out McKenzie’s hypocrisy: he recently condemned podcasters who made offensive comments about coloured people, demanding apologies and legal action.
But now, his own racist statements strip him of the moral ground to lead on issues of racial unity and social cohesion.
Questions Raised About Rehabilitation and Leadership
The EFF highlighted that these comments came years after McKenzie’s prison release, suggesting he isn’t truly “rehabilitated,” as he claims.
They say his words reveal an outlook still rooted in division and hate—far from the inclusive leadership South Africa needs.
This incident also fuels ongoing concerns from the EFF about putting former gang members and criminals into positions of power.
Each time McKenzie speaks, they feel their worries are validated.
What the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture Stands For
According to the EFF, the Ministry McKenzie leads should symbolize unity, inclusion, and pride in South Africa’s rich diversity.
Instead, by keeping him in office, the government seems to condone racism when it comes from someone with political connections.
The EFF’s Demand and the Road Ahead
In conclusion, the EFF is demanding McKenzie’s immediate removal and a public apology to all black South Africans for his repeated use of racial slurs and harmful stereotypes.
They emphasize that South Africa cannot build a truly equal, non-racial society while leaders continue to demean black people’s humanity without consequence.