Cape Town – Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended a job advertisement from his department that gave preference to certain racial groups, including coloured, Indian, and white males and females, for a position in his office.
The job advertisement for the deputy director of administrative support and coordination in McKenzie’s office specified that preference would be given to coloured males, Indian males, white males, coloured females, and Indian females.
The ad, which also required specific qualifications and experience, faced criticism for allegedly favouring non-black candidates.
In response, McKenzie stated that he was following the Employment Equity Act to ensure representation across all racial groups in his department.
“Employment equity, are you saying you have never heard of it? We are making sure all races are represented. There is nothing to be alarmed about. Salute,” he said.
“I am for all races. When I find other races have been ignored and rarely given job opportunities, it is my duty to fix it. I’m fixing things. I want all races to be represented in the department I lead. Go boil somewhere else.”
He emphasised that out of 586 staff, the majority were African, and he was working to correct the lack of racial diversity.
McKenzie rejected accusations of racism, asserting that he was aiming for inclusivity.
“I can never lead a department that is so unrepresentative of society. I’m being accused of racism by people who need to look in the mirror.”
Some unions have called for his removal, while others argue that hiring should be based solely on qualifications.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/ @MinisterMcK
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
