Gayton McKenzie employment discrimination allegations
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Faces Backlash Over Alleged Racial Bias in Hiring
The Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), under Minister Gayton McKenzie, is embroiled in controversy following allegations of discriminatory hiring practices. Critics claim the department is prioritizing White, Indian, and Coloured candidates in recent job postings, sparking debates over fairness and compliance with South Africa’s Employment Equity Act.
At the heart of the Gayton McKenzie employment discrimination allegations are two high-profile vacancies advertised on the DSAC website: the Deputy Director: Administrative Support and Coordination and the Parliamentary and Cabinet Support Officer. Both posts explicitly state a preference for “Coloured Males, Indian Males, White males, Coloured females, and Indian females” under their “NOTE” sections. This demographic specificity has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups and political analysts, who argue that the policy contradicts the department’s stated commitment to being an “equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.”
The Gayton McKenzie employment discrimination allegations gained traction after the job listings circulated widely on social media, with users questioning whether the criteria exclude Black African candidates. One post read: “How does prioritizing minority groups align with addressing historical inequities?” The department’s recruitment guidelines state that its Employment Equity Plan prioritizes disadvantaged groups, but critics argue the explicit racial preferences in these roles go beyond affirmative action.
Minister McKenzie, a former anti-apartheid activist turned politician, has yet to publicly address the Gayton McKenzie employment discrimination allegations. The DSAC’s official response, embedded in its job postings, emphasizes that appointments are guided by its Employment Equity Plan and that “other groups will be considered” if disadvantaged candidates are unavailable. However, this has done little to quell public outrage.
Labour law experts warn that the Gayton McKenzie employment discrimination allegations could have legal ramifications. South Africa’s Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair discrimination, even in affirmative action policies. “Targeting specific racial groups in job ads must be justifiable and proportionate to redress imbalances,” said legal analyst Thandiwe Mbeki. “Otherwise, it risks violating constitutional principles.
The vacancies, which close on *14 March 2025*, offer salaries of R849,702 per annum and require candidates to undergo rigorous pre-employment checks, including security vetting and criminal record assessments. Despite the DSAC’s assurances of transparency, the Gayton McKenzie employment discrimination allegations have overshadowed the recruitment drive, with calls growing for an independent review of the department’s hiring practices.
