Charles Esther
Axed Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Renaldo Gouws has voiced his reaction after learning that Minister Gayton McKenzie will not face an investigation over his old social media posts containing the K-word.
The tweets, which date from 2013 to 2017, were ruled outside the scope of parliamentary scrutiny as they were made before McKenzie entered public office.
Parliamentary Ruling on McKenzie’s Past Conduct
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo confirmed that the ethics committee cannot investigate the matter because the offensive posts were made before McKenzie became a Member of Parliament.
Citing Item 4(2)(a) of the parliamentary code, read with Item 4(3)(f), Mothapo explained that any misconduct occurring before a person becomes an MP falls outside the committee’s jurisdiction.
He further stated that no formal complaint has been lodged, and both McKenzie and the complainants have been officially notified.
Contrast with Renaldo Gouws’ Case
Many South Africans have questioned why Gouws faced consequences for using the racial slur while McKenzie did not.
Gouws clarified that his removal was not a parliamentary decision but rather an internal DA action.
Gouws Explains His Dismissal
According to Gouws, the DA terminated his membership after 13 years due to social media backlash and political pressure, despite the fact that the controversial YouTube video in which he used the slur was uploaded in 2010 — three years before he joined the party.
He said the DA had been aware of the video since he disclosed it in 2013, and it was considered resolved at that time.
Dispute Over Internal Party Decisions
Gouws further alleged that the DA’s Federal Executive (Fedex) overruled the Federal Legal Commission’s (FLC) recommendation for him to remain an MP.
He expressed frustration that nearly a year later, the party has still not provided the minutes of the meeting in which this decision was made.
Public Reaction and Debate
The situation has sparked public debate on whether McKenzie should face the same disciplinary action that was taken against Gouws.
The South African Human Rights Commission is expected to release a statement on the matter soon.
David Awoyode