Minister Gayton McKenzie Defends Job Preference Policy Amid Criticism

In a bold response to criticism on social platforms and from international business figures like Elon Musk, Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie has staunchly defended the Government’s policy to prioritize coloured people in employment opportunities within his department. This policy has triggered mixed reactions, highlighting the ongoing national conversation around race and employment in South Africa.

Gayton McKenzie, who leads the Patriotic Alliance, articulated his commitment to racial inclusivity in the workforce during a heated exchange on the X app (formerly Twitter) with social justice commentator Yusuf Ambramjee. The controversy began when Ambramjee drew attention to a job advertisement from the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture which explicitly stated a preference for various racial groups, with coloured males at the forefront.

Responding to Ambramjee’s concerns, McKenzie tweeted about his adherence to Employment Equity, a principle designed to ensure fair representation across all races. He reinforced his stance on his Facebook page, stating, "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.”

Moreover, McKenzie's comments come at a time when tech billionaire Elon Musk criticized South Africa’s laws as “racist,” citing them as a barrier to introducing his satellite internet service, Starlink, to the country. Musk's remarks add another layer to the already complex discourse surrounding racial policies in post-apartheid South Africa.

Despite the Patriotic Alliance's strong base within the coloured community, McKenzie has actively worked to portray and solidify his party’s image as inclusive, distancing it from any singular racial identity. At a rally prior to the last general elections, he emphasized that his party was not a "coloured party" but a "colourful party" with diverse representation at all levels, including its National Executive Committee (NEC) and its Premier candidates.

As South Africa continues to navigate its multifaceted racial landscape, figures like Gayton McKenzie play a pivotal role in shaping policies and public perception concerning racial equity and representation. His forthright defense of his department’s employment strategy highlights ongoing efforts toward a more inclusive society, albeit amidst considerable public scrutiny and debate.