Patriotic Alliance leader and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says he welcomes the SA Human Rights Commission case against him and that he will defend the charges of racism and xenophobia against him.

The SAHRC yesterday announced it will approach the Equality Court as McKenzie’s historical social media remarks, in which he repeatedly used the k-word, are prima facie violations of the Equality Act.

The Commission said it received numerous complaints against McKenzie:

“The Commission assessed the matter and came to a view that utterances made by Minister McKenzie are prima facie violations of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000. Consequently, the Commission sent an allegation letter to Minister McKenzie. The Commission has not received a response from the minister. Decision: The Commission has decided to urgently take the matter to the Equality Court as empowered by section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act), read with section 20 of the Equality Act, 2000.”

McKenzie took to Facebook earlier today to tell his supporters the allegations are a “blessing in disguise” that will allow him to address issues he says are being ignored.

“I never thought I would ever be accused of racism, but here we are, xenophobia, I kinda expected. We shall be victorious Patriots. Thank you for the prayers and support. Please read this statement deeply of the SAHRC & you will understand a lot of what Coloured people in particular are dealing with in SA.”