Gayton McKenzie responds to backlash over racist comments

Gayton McKenzie has claimed that the recent outrage surrounding his comments during a live video, along with the resurfacing of old posts on X, is simply a political campaign orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and various social media influencers.

As the leader of the Patriotic Alliance and the Sports and Recreation Minister, McKenzie has faced significant backlash for using the K-word. McKenzie was providing feedback on actions taken by the Patriotic Alliance in response to racist remarks made by hosts of the Open Chats Podcast.

Additionally, he has come under scrutiny for posts he shared on social media. In response to the criticism, McKenzie expressed feelings of humiliation and anger.

"I never thought I would be accused of racism," he said. 

"In my life, I have never called anyone the K-word. This campaign is driven by the EFF and influencers. Could you show me the people I called the K-word? Please bring them to me. People have gone back to dig for posts from 11 years ago. Who are the victims?" he said.

McKenzie also went into detail about the X posts and other social media posts between him and PA deputy president Kenny Kunene. 

He said when they posted or shared it at the time, they never had any aspirations to go into politics. 

"I cringe when I look at that. I'm embarrassed," McKenzie said.

McKenzie further explained that he did post the tweets himself; instead, he was responding to racist comments made by the original posters of the tweets. 

Action SA has reported McKenzie to the South African Human Rights Commission.

"We are confronting racism in all its forms by holding a sitting Cabinet Minister accountable for comments that no reasonable person can defend as anything other than racist and demeaning," the party's Alan Beesley said.

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has also lodged a complaint against McKenzie.

The EFF has called for McKenzie to be removed from his ministerial post. 

Cape Argus