Latest news with #ChrisNissen
News24
07-08-2025
- Politics
- News24
SAHRC probes podcasters for calling coloured people ‘incestuous' and ‘crazy'
Screenshot The SA Human Rights Commission is investigating numerous complaints about derogatory remarks made on the Open Chats Podcast. The podcast sparked public outrage when coloured people were labelled 'incestuous' and 'crazy'. Commission chairperson Chris Nissen said the remarks were vile, appalling, and unacceptable. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it has been inundated with complaints about comments in an episode that described coloured people as 'incestuous', 'crazy' people who 'sleep with their siblings'. The episode of the Open Chats Podcast, hosted by Mthokozisi, Sonwabile, Lefa Hlalele, and Busisiwe Radebe, sparked outrage when a video clip was widely circulated on social media. The clip has since been deleted. Following intense public pressure, the hosts — via their legal representatives — issued an open letter of apology. It read: 'The said statements have caused much outrage and offence, not only in the coloured community of South Africa but to all South Africans, irrespective of race, colour or creed. 'Our clients hereby deeply apologise for the pain and hurt that they have caused to the coloured community of South Africa. Our clients acknowledge unreservedly that the utterances made were inappropriate, sexist, racist, unfortunate, irresponsible, reckless, reminiscent of apartheid and unAfrican (contrary to the spirit of ubuntu), which were also tantamount to hate speech.' READ | 'Degrading': Podcasters under fire for calling coloured people incestuous, 'crazy' SAHRC chairperson Chris Nissen confirmed that the commission was investigating multiple complaints. 'We have received a number of complaints, and we will be conducting our own investigation as the commission because this is absolute rubbish that coloured people are being labelled in such a vile and appalling way,' he said. Open Chats Podcast aired on Mzansi Wethu, DStv channel 163, but a MultiChoice spokesperson told News24 that 'the episode in question was not aired on our platform'. 'MultiChoice is aware of recent comments made on the Open Chats Podcast. Open Chats' contract with DStv ended on 25 July 2025 as the show was removed to make way for our August content slate,' the company said. Meanwhile, political parties have since condemned the remarks. Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie said the party instituted legal action against the hosts. He snapped: We want to make an example of them. It's racism, and we must never allow people to become this comfortable. If we have to say that about other races, it would be on every front page. The ANC added: 'These statements are not only offensive, but they run completely counter to the founding values of our democratic society: values of human dignity, non-racialism, and unity, as enshrined in our Constitution and the Freedom Charter.' Freedom Front Plus MP Grant Marais said: 'Such utterances aren't just highly insulting, they also have the potential to fuel racial tensions between the black African and coloured communities, imperilling the frail social cohesion in South Africa. 'It is, however, unacceptable that individuals on a public platform use such hurtful stereotypes to undermine the human dignity of coloured communities and promote hate.' DA federal chairperson Ivan Meyer said the party had lodged a complaint with the SAHRC. 'This is not humour. It is not harmless 'pop culture commentary'. It is an assault on the dignity of a community and an attempt to reduce the lived realities of South Africans to cheap, demeaning stereotypes for the sake of online clicks,' he said.
TimesLIVE
18-07-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Tensions flare between Operation Dudula, Abahlali baseMjondolo
Madondo vowed they would continue with their stance. 'We will not stop this campaign of refusing illegal foreigners from accessing health care at public healthcare facilities,' said Madondo. Despite disruptions, Operation Dudula resumed its march and proceeded to the SAHRC offices, where they were able to hand over their memorandum to SAHRC chairperson Chris Nissen, who was given 10 days to respond. Operation Dudula also raised two specific housing complaints. One involves a woman who was allegedly displaced after her house was hijacked and is now homeless. The second is a case where a woman faces eviction on July 29, allegedly because her home was given to a foreign national. Both matters are reportedly under review by the SAHRC. Nissen said the commission would study the memorandum and look into ways to address the concerns. 'We will assess what is in the memorandum and see how we can intervene or improve the current situation,' he said.
eNCA
23-04-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Pope Francis used his stature to advance human rights: Nissen
JOHANNESBURG - Tributes continue to pour in as Catholics and millions of members of the public pay homage to the late Pope Francis. To millions around the world, the Pope embodied a spirit of reconciliation, which he demonstrated through the power of love, humility and faith. He is lauded as a true advocate and voice for peace fighting for universal equality and justice. Pope Francis was a fearless religious leader who spoke out against human rights abuses. At the heart of his advocacy was calling out all forms of injustice against the poor and marginalised societies around the world. eNCA spoke to Chris Nissen the chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission to reflect on the life and times of Pope Francis.
