Gayton McKenzie Under Fire

Critics argue that this hiring approach is divisive and discriminatory. The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) condemned the advert, calling for its retraction and McKenzie’s dismissal. GIWUSA president Mametlwe Sebei stated, “Such discrimination is not only divisive and oppressive, it serves the interests of political elites attempting to distract the working class from their failure to deliver jobs or basic services.” The South African

In response, McKenzie defended the employment policy, emphasizing the need for representation within his department. He highlighted that out of 586 staff members, 531 are African, 19 Coloured, 4 Indian, and 32 White. McKenzie asserted, “I am for all races. When I find that other races have been ignored and rarely given a job opportunity, it is my duty to fix it. I’m fixing things. I want all races to be represented in the department that I lead.” The South African

This incident is not the first time McKenzie has been at the center of racial or xenophobic controversies. In 2022, he faced backlash for stating he would prioritize South African patients over foreign nationals, even to the extent of turning off oxygen supplies for the latter. He remarked, “If there is a South African, Zimbabwean and Mozambican patient on oxygen and I see a South African patient born and bred in South Africa, I will turn the oxygen off so that the South African can live.” These comments were criticized as incitement to violence and xenophobia. . news24.com

More recently, in September 2024, McKenzie accused foreign nationals operating spaza shops in South African townships of selling harmful products, stating, “Our people are being fed slow poison by these illegal shop owners.” This claim, lacking statistical backing, was criticized for potentially inciting xenophobic sentiments. swisherpost.co.za

Despite these controversies, McKenzie maintains that his actions aim to address imbalances and ensure fair representation, denying any racist intentions. In October 2023, he stated, “The PA is not a racist party,” pushing back against race-baiting accusations. news24.com