The Sport, Arts, and Culture Ministry is facing growing backlash after Minister Gayton McKenzie rejected the proposed nominees for the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), citing a lack of white representation on the list. This controversy came to light during a parliamentary discussion on the board nominations, as McKenzie voiced his dissatisfaction with the final shortlist of candidates for the 15-member board.
In the heated meeting, the parliamentary portfolio committee discussed McKenzie’s letter rejecting the list, which had been compiled following a lengthy public nomination process. According to the committee, former Minister Zizi Kodwa had set up an ad hoc committee last year to oversee the nominations, inviting the public to suggest candidates for PanSALB. The shortlisted nominees were tabled in Parliament earlier this year, but due to time constraints, the list was not considered before the parliamentary term ended.
The newly re-formed committee revived the process in August 2024, recommending 19 candidates for McKenzie’s consideration. However, the Minister expressed concern over the absence of white individuals among the final nominees, prompting a clash with committee members, who insisted that the selection process was fair and in accordance with the law.
Parliamentary legal advisor Herman Tembe clarified that the Minister is legally bound to consult with the portfolio committee but is not entitled to reject candidates solely based on race. “The Minister’s argument is unfounded and not supported by the laws governing PanSALB appointments,” Tembe stated. He further explained that former board members are not automatically eligible for reappointment once their terms have expired.
In response to McKenzie’s concerns, Tembe suggested that the committee engage directly with the Minister to resolve the issue and finalize the board’s composition.
Committee chairperson Joe McGluwa expressed frustration, revealing that members were only made aware of McKenzie’s objections through a recent media report. “I understand that the Minister is still new in his role, but he must engage more with Parliament to understand our processes,” McGluwa said. He stressed that the law was clear: the Minister, in consultation with the portfolio committee, must appoint board members from the final shortlist.
The issue of racial representation dominated the debate. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Eugene Mthethwa, who had previously served on the committee, defended the integrity of the selection process. “We did not select people randomly,” he said. “If the Minister thinks race determines ability, he must look back to the apartheid era.”
Freedom Front Plus MP Corne Mulder echoed this sentiment, arguing that while McKenzie is within his rights to consult, the ultimate decision lies with the Minister. “If he is not satisfied with the list, he can refer it back,” Mulder said.
ANC MP Ethel Nkosi was more critical of McKenzie, asserting that his rejection of the list undermines the work of the committee. “It is incorrect for the Minister to dismiss the committee’s work without valid justification,” Nkosi stated.
In a statement issued by McKenzie’s spokesperson, Chade Kramer, the Minister reiterated his position on the matter. “Minister McKenzie expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of racial diversity on the board, emphasizing his commitment to a multi-racial PanSALB that includes all South Africans,” Kramer said. “The Minister believes that all racial groups—Black, White, Coloured, and Indian—should be recognized as Africans, not pigeonholed into categories, and that the inclusion of a white person on the board would help reflect this vision.”
The controversy has ignited a broader debate over race, inclusion, and the role of language in South Africa’s post-apartheid society. While McKenzie’s position highlights a vision of unity, his rejection of the board’s nominees raises questions about the balance between ensuring representation and upholding the integrity of a merit-based selection process. As the dispute unfolds, it is clear that this issue is far from resolved, and the future of PanSALB’s leadership hangs in the balance.
