Calls mount for Gayton McKenzie to be removed as sports minister amid racism claims

JOHANNESBURG - There are growing calls for Gayton McKenzie to be removed as the minister of sport, arts, and culture amid accusations of racism.

Social media posts from over a decade ago have resurfaced, in which McKenzie allegedly used derogatory language towards black people.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has urged the president to take action against him, while ActionSA has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

According to ActionSA spokesperson, Matthew George, McKenzie must be held accountable.

"Early this week, ActionSA joined South Africans in condemning vile and repugnant remarks directed toward the coloured community. Today, we do the same in 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. Which is why we have also lodged a complaint against Minister Dean Macpherson for his deeply offensive and racially charged attacks on ActionSA supporters, referring to them as amapara and hobos."

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