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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rachel Savage in Johannesburg

South African minister investigated for historical racial slurs on social media

Gayton McKenzie
The sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie was given a deadline by the South African Human Rights Commission. Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty Images

South Africa’s sport, arts and culture minister, Gayton McKenzie, is under investigation by the country’s human rights commission for historical social media posts containing a highly offensive racial slur, reigniting a debate about racism, identity and the lingering effects of colonialism and apartheid.

McKenzie, an anti-immigrant populist from the Coloured community with a history of stirring up controversies, was given a Wednesday evening deadline by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to issue an approved apology, undergo sensitivity training, donate to an agreed charity and delete the X posts, which were still online at the time of publication.

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