Gayton McKenzie Defends Hiring Policy Prioritising Coloureds and Indians, SA Divided Over Plans
- Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie has defended his country's hiring policies
- McKenzie's department has prioritised the hiring of coloured and Indian people for positions
- Some social media users applauded the decision, while others criticised the minister for it
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent a decade reporting on the South African political landscape, crime and social issues.
Gayton McKenzie has found himself at the centre of another social media storm. The Sport, Art and Culture Minister is at the centre of a debate surrounding his department's hiring practices.
It was recently revealed that McKenzie's department was prioritising coloured and Indian people for employment opportunities.
Source: Getty Images
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McKenzie defends hiring practices
News of the hiring practices were made public when Yusuf Abramjee took to social media to ask McKenzie to explain it.
According to the specifications listed, preference would be given to coloured males, Indian males, White males, coloured females, and Indian females.
The minister responded to the post saying that it was employment equity.
"We making sure all races are represented. Nothing really here to be alarmed about,” he said.
In a separate post, he added that he was for all races, saying that when he found some races were often ignored, it was his duty to fix it.
"I’m fixing things. I want all races to be represented in the department that I lead," McKenzie added.
You can view the minister's response below.
McKenzie has been criticised online recently for some of his comments and actions. On 10 February 2025, he was criticised for saying that M23 rebels needed to be taught a lesson, encouraging Parliamentarians to get involved in the fight.
On 18 February 2025, he caused a stir by meeting with AfriForum and Solidarity.
Social media divided by McKenzie's stance
The minister's post caused quite a stir on social media, as citizens argued whether it was the right decision.
Patricia Bell said:
"Well done Mr Mc Kenzie we are a rainbow nation and everyone needs employment."
Lahli Wa Msisi added:
"Coloured people deserve a chance, but it must be done well."
Zelna Hansen Barnard asked:
"Can’t the best person for the job get the job?"
Bebeto Seratjhe stated:
"This guy isn't real, but I don't think he will finish this year still in that post."
Mpendulo Mashumi stated
"I guess he's not wrong, because coloureds and Indians are somehow excluded in many opportunities. It just leaves a bitter taste in our minds when you systematically exclude black people, and it reminds us of apartheid, how white people used legislation to exclude and dehumanise black people. It opens old wounds."
Amanda van Niekerk said:
"Job opportunities should be open to everyone, not just a specific color. The best person for the job should be employed. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to apply."
Dayaan Lambert added:
"It shouldn't be a problem since the NP did the same for white people during apartheid and the ANC did the same for black people after democracy."
Booker Love Tyson stated:
"Good. Coloured people is the most people who don't benefit from BEEE."
What are the department's hiring policies?
As part of Affirmative Action (AA) hiring policies, the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) aims to redress the imbalances of the past by actively promoting a diverse and representative workforce.
The policy is guided by several principles, among which the primary factor informing hiring decisions is its Employment Equity Plan (EEP). The plan sets targets to achieve equitable representation across race, gender, and disability.
This strategically aligns with the country's broader legislative Employment Equity framework. Thus, the department emphasises fairness in its recruitment processes to ensure equal opportunity.
This sees a drive towards objectively promoting equity across race, gender, and disability within its workforce and prioritising the employment of people from historically disadvantaged groups.
However, if there are no suitable candidates within the identified groups, consideration is given to other applicants.
McKenzie slams black sports executives
Briefly News reported that Minister McKenzie called out board members and executives of South African sports bodies.
In an interview with Robert Marawa, he slammed black board members and presidents of sports organisations for stifling transformation.
South Africans got into a heated debate with him, with others agreeing with him and others disagreeing with him.
Updated by Tshepiso Mametela, Current Affairs HOD at Briefly News
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Source: Briefly News
