A formal inquiry has been launched into South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy over a series of decade-old social media posts containing derogatory racial language directed at Cape Coloured communities. The investigation, ordered by the Public Protector, marks the latest development in efforts to hold public officials accountable for past expressions of hate speech.
On 20 August 2025, the Public Protector’s office confirmed it would probe complaints filed against the minister, Gwede Mantashe, concerning tweets he posted between 2011 and 2013. In those messages, Mantashe used the Afrikaans slur “kaffer” and other inflammatory terms when referring to Coloured residents of the Western Cape, allegations first raised by civil rights groups in early 2024.
The complaint was lodged by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the Social Justice Coalition, which argued that Mantashe’s comments violated the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. In parallel, the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League announced it would convene an internal disciplinary hearing to evaluate whether his conduct breached the party’s code of conduct.
Mantashe, a senior ANC figure and former union leader, has served in Cabinet since 2014. In his public response, he expressed regret for the language used but maintained the tweets reflected the fraught political context of the era. “I apologize unreservedly to anyone offended by my past remarks,” he said in a statement published on 21 August 2025. “While the terminology used does not reflect my views today, I fully understand the pain it has caused.”
Legal experts note the Public Protector’s investigation could lead to remedial action requiring the minister to make reparations or face parliamentary censure. Should the inquiry find wrongdoing, consequences may include a formal reprimand or referral to the National Assembly’s ethics committee.
Human rights advocates have welcomed the inquiry as an important step in South Africa’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation and social cohesion. “Holding leaders to account, regardless of how much time has passed, sends a powerful message that hate speech will not be tolerated,” said Athol Williams of the Helen Suzman Foundation.
The Public Protector’s office expects to complete its review within 90 days, after which it will issue binding recommendations. Until then, Mantashe remains in his ministerial post, overseeing South Africa’s critical transition to cleaner energy sources amid rising global demand and local calls for economic empowerment.
