The South African Human Right Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed that it has launched an investigation into Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s alleged racist remarks.

[WATCH] Sport Minister and Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has been reported to the SA Human Rights Commission over alleged racist remarks made on his X account. Diversity expert and leadership development practitioner Brian Mhlanga unpacks the issue. pic.twitter.com/Nk6o5JSC6R

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 10, 2025

This after old posts resurfaced on social media platform X in which the Minister is alleged to have used apartheid-era slurs against black South Africans.

Different political parties have since called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove McKenzie from his position.

VIDEO | ActionSA files SAHRC complaint over old alleged racist tweets by McKenzie

In a statement, the Commission says it has become aware of recently resurfaced posts and has received multiple complaints from various political parties and individuals.

[WATCH] Analyst Ebrahim Fakir says he does not believe Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie’s alleged racist remarks in old social media posts constitute hate speech, as they are merely saying something pejorative. pic.twitter.com/g23dkCKE2S

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 12, 2025

This has  prompted the Commission to take action.

Following an initial assessment, the SAHRC believes that McKenzie’s comments violate the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.

In his defense, McKenzie says the remarks were directed at a specific group of people and do not constitute racism.

[WATCH] DA Leader John Steenhuisen, on Gayton McKenzie’s alleged social media post, says, “I don’t think that language has a place in South Africa, just as the singing ‘Kill the Boer’ has no place in South Africa.” pic.twitter.com/6pk6NWpYv8

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 11, 2025

[WATCH] Political analyst Dr Dale McKinley believes that Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie’s alleged racist remarks in old social media posts have exposed him as someone who is unacceptable as a Minister or to hold public office. He says President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to act. pic.twitter.com/apqFsBIWQo

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 11, 2025

He’s also adamant that he will not apologise.

VIDEO | Outrage over Gayton McKenzie’s utterances