Mayibuye Afrika convenor Floyd Shivambu has called for the immediate dismissal of Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie following a social media storm over allegedly racist tweets targeting black South Africans.
The controversial posts, which went viral over the weekend, have drawn condemnation from across political parties and civil society. Shivambu declared the minister “unfit for public office,” stating: “Government ministries belong to the people, not individuals promoting racism. He must resign or be fired immediately.”
The tweets in question have been widely criticized as violating constitutional values of human dignity and non-racialism. The controversy has sparked renewed debate about accountability standards for public officials, with opposition parties and civil society groups urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action.
{QUICK MAYIBUYE THOUGHT} Gayton has admitted that these tweets are real and now offering a fake apology. His Fiefdom, Patriotic Alliance was registered in 2013 and 4 years later after contesting general elections in 2014 and local elections in 2016, he still had the bile to refer… pic.twitter.com/ODz6uvSQw1
— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) August 11, 2025
McKenzie, a former businessman turned politician, has previously faced accusations of racism but maintains his comments are being misinterpreted. However, critics argue his latest remarks demonstrate a pattern of divisive rhetoric incompatible with his ministerial role.
As #FireMcKenzie trends nationally, pressure mounts on the Presidency to respond. Political analysts suggest the government’s handling of the matter will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to combating racism in leadership positions.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has yet to issue an official statement regarding the growing calls for McKenzie’s removal.