MATTHEW THEUNISSEN: I'M NOT RACIST
In the controversial post, Theunissen used the 'k-word 'in venting his anger over Sport Minister Fikile Mbalula’s decision to ban three sporting codes from hosting international tournaments.
Various parties have called for action to be taken against Theunissen.
He, however, insists he is not a racist.
“I regret it, I shouldn’t have used those words. I should have addressed the sports minister directly in plain language - that would have been a much better way to vent and there is no doubt about that. I truly feel guilty and I am not a racist.”
Theunissen says he was “in a bad space” when he posted that status on Facebook.
He says the difficulty of finding a job also contributed to the post.
“I’ve also been looking for a job for the last year, and with the current politics in the country, I haven’t been able to find employment. Besides that, the main thing that made me say those words which I regret so dearly, is the fact that we aren’t allowed to hold international sporting events.”
The South African Human Rights Commission of has confirmed it has received a complaint with regards to the matter.
LISTEN: Matthew Theunissen says he made the biggest mistake of his life
At the same time, the sports minister has spoken out against the racist Facebook post, saying there are still too many South Africans making racist remarks based on ignorance.
He says people like Theunissen, who insult government over its transformation policies, are taking the country backwards.
Mbalula says Theunissen needs help.
“Matthew is young and he needs to be helped for all that he has gobbled up as a child to understand that South Africa is a united country.”
He has called on all South Africans to entrench diversity in the country.
Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille has confirmed her office will investigate the post.
LISTEN: Matthew Theunissen says he made the biggest mistake of his life
