Backlash against Gayton McKenzie: calls for apologies and removal, PA says Prez is going nowhere

Sport, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie has been rubbing people up the wrong way in all three spheres of his portfolio, so much so that calls for his removal are growing louder by the day. 

Sports organisations, cultura groups,  indigenous groups and religious communities, and activists are all raising concerns about his controversial statements and decisions.

The First Nation Forum of South Africa (FNFO-SA), representing indigenous Khoisan communities, has formally objected to the approval of 21 geographical name changes announced by McKenzie recently.

The Forum said the process lacked meaningful consultation with the Khoisan, the original inhabitants of many affected areas.

“Renaming places without the inclusion of the First Peoples of this land repeats historical injustice rather than correcting it,” the Forum said. It has called on the Minister to halt the name changes and urged the South African Geographical Names Council to reopen the process with genuine, Khoisan-led consultations.

Khayelitsha community activist Thulani Dasa criticised the Minister’s focus on renaming, saying, “Changing the names of towns will not bring a single job, fix a broken sewer pipe, or restore water to communities that have gone without it for weeks.” He added, “Renaming towns without fixing municipalities is not transformation, it is theatre.”

Dasa warned that true social cohesion is built when people experience dignity through work, safety through functional institutions, and hope through reliable public services, not through symbolic gestures.

The RasTafari Nation Council (RNC) has demanded a public apology from McKenzie after he allegedly used the phrase “daai vuil Rasta” during a social media exchange in January.

Elder Gareth Prince said the remark perpetuates degrading stereotypes of the RasTafari community and added: “Stop treating the RasTafari community as third-class citizens.”

The RNC warned it may pursue the matter through the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission and the South African Human Rights Commission if McKenzie fails to address the issue.

McKenzie is also facing backlash from arts and cultural organisations following the cancellation of artist Gabrielle Goliath’s submission to represent South Africa at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

In an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the South African Jews for a Free Palestine (SAJFP) described McKenzie’s actions as a “blatant act of censorship” and a “dangerous breach of our constitutional values,” calling for his removal from the Government of National Unity. The letter said McKenzie’s cancellation of Goliath’s work Elegy constituted “a clear violation of Section 16 of our Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression, artistic creativity, and academic freedom.”

SAJFP highlighted that Goliath’s artwork connected themes of femicide in South Africa, historical genocide in Namibia, and the current loss of life in Gaza. The letter said that by silencing this work, McKenzie had weaponised vague concepts like ‘social cohesion’ and ‘nation-building’ to stifle legitimate artistic critique” and “overridden a transparent, independent selection process… reinstating a culture of state control over artistic expression.”

It warned that his actions contradicted South Africa’s official foreign policy stance on Gaza, placing the country in a “precarious” international position.

“Elevating such a figure to a portfolio dedicated to culture and social cohesion was always a questionable decision; his recent actions confirm he is unfit for an office that must protect and nurture the diverse voices of our nation,” SAJFP said.

The organisation called on President Ramaphosa to immediately remove McKenzie, reaffirm the government’s commitment to Section 16 of the Constitution, and send a message that unconstitutional conduct and sabotage of state policy “will not be tolerated.”

Within the sports portfolio, confusion arose after Deputy Sports Minister remarks at the Hollywoodbets Super League Awards suggested South Africa might host the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

McKenzie sought to clarify the situation, stating: “South Africa has expressed its willingness to support the Confederation of African Football if required, should alternative hosting arrangements become necessary. At this stage, no formal decision has been taken to relocate the tournament, and Morocco remains the officially designated host of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. CAF has not yet triggered any alternative hosting process.”

Analysts say the controversies collectively raise questions about McKenzie’s ability to lead a department responsible for social cohesion, cultural diversity, heritage protection, arts, and sport development. Critics argue that repeated public disputes, policy clashes, and community backlash risk weakening public confidence in the ministry and creating tension within the GNU.

“Development is not spelled on a signpost,” Dasa said.

“It is delivered through honest, capable, and accountable government.”

Despite criticism, McKenzie retains support among sections of his political base, where he is viewed as an outspoken figure willing to challenge traditional norms.

Patriotic Alliance spokesperson Steve Motale said: “The PA fully supports our president and the propaganda you are referring to is unfounded and rejected. He will be stepping down from nothing. Enjoy your day further.”

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has not issued a consolidated response addressing the growing criticism across the Minister’s portfolios.

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