Minster Gayton McKenzie is under fire for rejecting the proposed board members for the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). The rejection stemmed from the absence of a white nominee on the final list.
Portfolio Committee Reviews the Issue
According to IOL, the sport, arts, and culture portfolio committee recently discussed McKenzie’s letter rejecting the nominees. This came after the committee had submitted its recommended candidates for the PanSALB board.
The nominations were initially prepared by an ad hoc committee last year under the former minister, Zizi Kodwa. After public input, the portfolio committee finalized and submitted its report in early 2024. However, the National Assembly did not consider the report before the parliamentary term ended.
Nominees Selected for the Board
In August 2024, the newly formed committee revived the process instead of starting anew. They recommended 19 candidates to be considered for 15 board positions.
McKenzie, however, raised concerns about the exclusion of white nominees and previously serving board members. Parliamentary legal advisor Herman Tembe clarified that McKenzie’s argument lacked legal grounds.
Gayton on Bela Bill Protests
In addition to the PanSALB controversy, Minister Gayton McKenzie addressed protests against the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill.
Videos on social media showed McKenzie receiving a memorandum from protesters opposing the bill. The event took place at Freedom Park in Pretoria.
Addressing the crowd, McKenzie stated, “I’m not ashamed to say that Afrikaans should have its rightful place in South Africa. I love Afrikaans.”
Later, he told reporters, “I will fight for Afrikaans and for every other language. All languages should be equal.”
McKenzie urged authorities to handle the protests with dignity and sensitivity.
Legal Limitations on Re-Appointments
Tembe explained that individuals who had already served on the PanSALB board were not eligible for reappointment. He stressed that the law required the Minister to appoint members from the committee’s shortlist after consultation.
“The Minister’s argument is not based on legal grounds,” Tembe said. He suggested further discussions with McKenzie to resolve the matter.
Criticism of McKenzie’s Actions
Committee chairperson Joe McGluwa expressed disappointment with McKenzie’s approach. He said the Minister should familiarize himself with parliamentary processes.
“The law is clear. After consultation, the Minister must appoint members from the final list,” McGluwa emphasized.
EFF MP Eugene Mthethwa defended the selection process, calling it fair and transparent. He criticized McKenzie’s focus on race, stating, “If the Minister thinks colour determines capabilities, he must revisit the apartheid mindset.”
Freedom Front MP Corne Mulder acknowledged the Minister’s authority to refer the list back but urged collaboration.
Minister’s Perspective
McKenzie’s spokesperson, Chade Kramer, defended the Minister’s position. McKenzie had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s lack of diversity during an October 2024 meeting.
“He questioned the absence of Afrikaans speakers and emphasized the need for inclusivity,” Kramer explained.
McKenzie envisions a PanSALB board representing all racial groups. He argued that including a white nominee would reflect his vision of unity among Coloureds, Indians, Whites, and Blacks as Africans.
Moving Forward
The committee now seeks further dialogue with McKenzie to finalize the PanSALB board. The issue has sparked significant debate over inclusivity and legal processes within government appointments.
Was Minister McKenzie Right To Reject The Nominees Because There Were No White People Included?
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