According to Gayton McKenzie, the recent outrage over comments made on a recent live video, and the resurfacing of old X posts are merely a political campaign orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and social media influencers. 

The Patriotic Alliance leader and Sports and Recreation Minister has faced backlash for using the K-word during a live video last week where he was giving feedback on action undertaken by the Patriotic Alliance regarding the racist comments made by Open Chats Podcasts hosts. 

McKenzie has also come under fire for posts he shared on social media. 

Addressing the backlash, McKenzie said he was humiliated and angry. 

“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. 

IOL

Source link