McKenzie says political motives behind social media post attacks

CAPE TOWN - Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie said the backlash he’s attracted over racially-charged social media posts is part of a political campaign against him in the run-up to next year’s local government elections.

He’s singled out the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA as feeling threatened by the inroads his party is making in by-elections.

Political parties have lodged various complaints against McKenzie since he announced he planned to sue podcasters who made derogatory remarks about coloured people.

In an X post on Monday, McKenzie has apologised for slurs he’s made in the past, saying he had been “stupid” and a “troll”.

Gayton McKenzie, who’s also the Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, said he’s fired two mobilisers for the party, including a Cape Town pastor, for using racial slurs.

As a person of mixed heritage born of a Sotho mother, McKenzie said he’s never referred to anyone using the K-word.

"For me to be using the K-word and to be racist, are you saying that I hate my mother?"

McKenzie said he’s made several changes to his party’s caucuses in Parliament and in metro councils to ensure they are racially diverse.

He said EFF leader Julius Malema and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba feel threatened by his political influence.

"They want us out of the GNU so they can come in. So, Mashaba and Malema, we will meet at the ballot box."

McKenzie said he won’t succumb to pressure to resign because he’s determined to do a good job in his ministerial portfolio.