The Parliamentary Ethics Committee has announced it will not investigate a racism complaint lodged against South Africa’s Sport Minister, Gayton McKenzie. The decision stems from the understanding that the contentious tweets, which included the derogatory K-word, were made prior to McKenzie’s election as a Member of Parliament on 14 June 2024.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) filed the complaint on Sunday, claiming that McKenzie must be held accountable for his past conduct. ATM emphasised the serious nature of the minister’s language, calling for accountability in the face of what they described as derogatory and harmful rhetoric.
In a statement regarding the proceedings, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothape clarified the rationale for the Ethics Committee’s decision. “The Office of the Registrar received a letter from the ATM on Sunday, 10 August 2025. However, the alleged tweets by Minister McKenzie occurred prior to his becoming a Member of Parliament. In terms of Item 4(2)(a) of the Code, read with Item 4(3)(f), conduct committed before a person becomes an MP does not fall within the scope of the Code. Accordingly, no complaint has been opened by the Registrar. There is, therefore, no competent complaint before the Ethics Committee,” Mothape stated.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is currently deliberating a separate complaint filed by ActionSA against McKenzie. The Commission asserts its commitment to confronting racism in all its forms, labelling McKenzie’s comments as inexcusable and calling for an accountability mechanism for a sitting Cabinet Minister.
While the SAHRC is expected to comment following their meeting about the issue, McKenzie has steadfastly denied the allegations of racism. He argues that the claims are part of a political campaign orchestrated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other social media influencers. “In my life, I have never called anyone the K-word. This whole campaign to find something racist I ever said is hilarious because you have now gone 13 years back and can’t bring out one racist thing I ever said,” he asserted.
McKenzie admitted to previously posting “insensitive, stupid and hurtful” comments based on a trolling approach years ago. “I cringe when seeing them and I am truly sorry for that. I shall subject myself to the investigation,” he stated, highlighting a willingness to engage with the process despite his insistence on the absence of racist intent.
The presidency is yet to comment regarding the ongoing situation around McKenzie.