Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is the latest to add his voice to calls for action against Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader McKenzie found himself in the middle of a racial scandal following his strong stance on remarks made on the Open Chat podcast.
During a live video regarding the controversy, McKenzie used the K-word. Since then, several other old videos have begun surfacing, which has led to many calling for his removal.
CONSISTENCY NEEDED IN ADDRESSING HATE SPEECH
Speaking at a media briefing, Steenhuisen weighed in on his Government of National Unity (GNU) colleague’s remarks.
“I don’t think that language has any place in South Africa, just as singing Kill the Boer has no place in South Africa,” he said.
Steenhuisen stressed the importance of applying the same standard to all individuals who make inflammatory comments.
“There needs to be consistency, and when one party or person is called out, that consistency needs to carry through across the board,” he said.
The DA has long opposed the chanting of Kill the Boer. Earlier this year, the Constitutional Court dismissed an application by advocacy group AfriForum to appeal a ruling that the song does not constitute hate speech.
In 2022, the Equality Court found in favour of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), ruling that the song was not hate speech. The DA maintains, however, that it incites violence, fuels hatred, and deepens societal divisions.
MCKENZIE DEFIANT AMID PUBLIC OUTCRY
Despite the intense scrutiny, McKenzie insists that he is not racist, saying the accusations are false.
“I will no longer answer false racism accusations. I have work to do, elections are around the corner,” said the PA leader.
SHOULD PAST REMARKS BY POLITICAL LEADERS BE TREATED THE SAME AS RECENT ONES?
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