The National Coloured Congress (NCC) has come to the defence of Minister Gayton McKenzie amid a growing controversy over resurfaced tweets in which he allegedly used the k-word between 2011 and 2017. The posts, now widely circulated online, have triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties including the EFF, DA, and ActionSA, who are demanding McKenzie’s resignation.
In a strongly worded statement, the NCC dismissed the backlash as a “sudden and suspicious” campaign against McKenzie, questioning the timing and intent behind the renewed attention to years-old tweets. The party drew parallels to recent incidents involving other Coloured leaders, suggesting there is a broader effort to silence outspoken voices from marginalised communities.
While the NCC reaffirmed its opposition to racism in all forms, it argued that the outrage has been “westernized and weaponized” to discredit leaders who speak unapologetically on behalf of their people. It urged South Africans to approach such matters with context and fairness, warning against what it called “political assassination by social media.”
Calling for due process, the NCC pressed the South African Human Rights Commission to expedite its investigation so that McKenzie can address the allegations and clear his name. The party cautioned that delays would only fuel public division and mistrust.
“This is not just about Minister McKenzie,” the statement read. “It’s about a broader fight for dignity, respect, and fair representation for Coloured communities across South Africa.”
