Latest news with #Coloureds
IOL News
3 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
SAHRC probes Open Chats Podcast despite clip removal and apology
Open Chats Podcast have sparked a profound uproar across South Africa, disrupting the nation's dialogue on race, dignity, and freedom of speech. Image: X The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed a probe into comments made by the Open Chats Podcast. The SAHRC says its investigation will continue despite the podcast production team deleting the clip from its full episode, and the apology that has since been issued. The Commission stated that it has send letters to the respondents and will then determine the best way forward. "This may include instituting proceedings in the relevant Equality Court as per section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013 (SAHRC Act), read withsection 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000," it said. In the clip, which has gone viral on social media, the hosts make several racist comments, claiming that not only do Coloured families have sexual relationships with each other (incest), but they also suffer mental issues. "Coloureds apparently chow (have sex with) each other," one of the hosts says. In response, a co-host says, "I do believe that because Coloureds are crazy. "The Commission has noted that the hosts, through their lawyers, sought to apologise for their offensive remarks soon after the discussion went viral on social media and the discussion has since been removed from the episode. "However, the Commission through its Gauteng Provincial Office has opened an own accord investigation and will continue with its investigative process," the SAHRC said. Meanwhile, MultiChoice has confirmed that it dropped the Open Chats Podcast in July. "Open Chats' contract with DStv ended on 25 July 2025, as the show was removed to make way for our August content slate. The episode in question was not aired on our platform," the broadcaster said. [email protected] IOL
The South African
3 days ago
- Politics
- The South African
Open Chats Podcast axed amid backlash over derogatory remarks
MultiChoice has parted ways with Open Chats Podcast following widespread outrage over racist comments targeting the coloured community. MULTICHOICE CONFIRMS END OF CONTRACT WITH OPEN CHATS PODCAST The controversy erupted when the podcast hosts made offensive claims in one of their episodes, sparking massive backlash and calls for MultiChoice to cancel their contract immediately. In a comment to The South African, MultiChoice spokesperson Suzaan Keyter confirmed that the podcast's contract with DStv ended on 25 July. ADVERTISEMENT '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 episode in question was not aired on our platform. MultiChoice adheres to stringent quality control processes and does not promote any discriminatory content,' she stated. OFFENSIVE REMARKS SPARK NATIONAL ANGER The now-removed episode contained derogatory generalisations about coloured families. One of the hosts claimed that 'Apparently Coloureds chow (have sex with) each other.' Another co-host responded, 'I do believe that because Coloureds are crazy,' further intensifying public anger toward the podcast and its creators. They continued agreeing with each other, pushing the false narrative that coloured people are mentally unstable. POLITICIANS AND PUBLIC DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY The Patriotic Alliance's Liam Jacobs confirmed that he opened a hate crime case against the podcast's hosts at the Brooklyn Police Station in Tshwane. Jacobs called the remarks 'deeply offensive and racist' and vowed to take the matter to the Equality Court and Human Rights Commission. He posted: 'This is decisive action. This is justice. We will no longer be a punchline,' demanding a full public apology immediately. ADVERTISEMENT The DA has also condemned the comments, saying: '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 into cheap, demeaning stereotypes for the sake of online clicks. 'Such content fans the flames of division and undermines the constitutional values of equality, human dignity, and social cohesion'. The ANC and EFF also joined the condemnation. They united in rejecting hate speech that threatens South Africa's constitutional principles and national unity. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
MultiChoice distances itself from Open Chats Podcast over racist comments
Open Chats Podcast have sparked a profound uproar across South Africa, disrupting the nation's dialogue on race, dignity, and freedom of speech. Image: X MultiChoice has distanced itself from Open Chats Podcast following growing backlash over racist comments made by the hosts towards the Coloured community. Responding to queries from IOL, a spokesperson for MultiChoice said they were aware of the recent comments. "Open Chats' contract with DStv ended on 25 July 2025, as the show was removed to make way for our August content slate. The episode in question was not aired on our platform. "MultiChoice adheres to stringent quality control processes and does not promote any discriminatory content," the spokesperson said. In the clip, which, according to the podcast team, has since been deleted from the recording, the hosts make several racist comments, claiming that not only do Coloured families have sexual relationships with each other (incest), but they also suffer mental issues. "Coloureds apparently chow (have sex with) each other," one of the hosts says. In response, a co-host says, "I do believe that because Coloureds are crazy. A case has since been opened by the Patriotic Alliance. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The apology Image: Facebook Apology The Open Chats Podcast has issued a public apology via its social media pages, regretting the incident. "The intention was never to cause harm or disrespect the Coloured community. Open Chats is a platform centred around open conversations which does at times touch on sensitive topics, and with that said we do understand that as a platform we should conduct our conversations in a respectful manner. However, the apology has been slammed by various sectors. Civil society organisation Cape Forum called the apology "inadequate since it serves more as an explanation of the wrongdoing rather than displaying sincere regrets." The Forum's executive chairperson, Heindrich Wyngaard said a generic note of regret after such a serious and defamatory incident cannot be seen as sincere accountability. "There is no direct admission of wrongdoing, nor any meaningful commitment to reparative action.' Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in Presidency for Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike also called out the podcast for their utterances. 'I reiterate my position, that all media platforms, including podcasts, must adhere to the regulations that ensure fair and responsible communication. We value freedom of expression, but it must be balanced with accountability," Letsike said. Outrage The Northern Cape National Coloured Congress has condemned racist utterances. "This is not satire. This is not banter. what we are witnessing is the manifestation of deep-seated racism, camouflaged as commentary, but ultimately weaponised against a community that has already suffered decades of exclusion, misrepresentation, and marginalisation, both under apartheid and now, heartbreakingly, under democratic rule," the NCC's Dean Goliath said. The Democratic Alliance's Dr Ivan Meyer said the party has reported the matter to the SAHRC. "Hate speech, harmful racial stereotyping, and the public degradation of any group in our society cannot be tolerated," Meyer said. The African National Congress has added its voice to the growing condemnation. "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. To generalise and mock an entire community in the manner that was done is not only deeply hurtful but also a betrayal of the progress South Africans have made," the party said. IOL
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Patriotic Alliance files charges against Open Chat Podcast for racist remarks
The PA's Liam Jacobs has confirmed that charges have been filed against the hosts of Open Chat Podcast Image: Supplied The Patriotic Alliance has filed criminal charges against Open Chat Podcast hosts Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama following their racist remarks aimed at the Coloured community. The PA's Liam Jacobs, shared a video in which he can be seen walking into and opening a case at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria on Wednesday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The podcast hosts and production team have come under fire after a clip from the original recording went viral. In the clip, which, according to the podcast team, has since been deleted from the recording, the hosts make several racist comments, claiming that not only do Coloured families have sexual relationships with each other (incest), but they also suffer mental issues. "Coloureds apparently chow (have sex with) each other," one of the hosts says. In response, a co-host says, "I do believe that because Coloureds are crazy. The letter sent from the PA's legal team to the podcast hosts Image: Facebook/Patriotic Alliance Meanwhile, the PA's legal team has sent a letter addressed to the hosts. According to the letter, the podcast's team's "brief apology and removal of the offending clip are legally and morally insufficient." The PA also plans to lodge a formal complaint with the SABC, requesting a review of its broadcast contract. The party further states that it will institute proceedings in the Equality Court for unlawful discrimination. "[We will] submit a complaint to YouTube demanding the immediate removal of your podcast episode from the platform," the letter stated. PA leader, Gayton McKenzie took to social media where he condemned the hosts' comments. He said the plan is not to "destroy" the hosts but if nothing is done, the perceptions and narrative created by the podcast will destroy other people's mentality of Coloured people. "It has become too easy to insult Coloured people in this country. It has become too easy to have something to say about Coloured people. People will say things about Coloured people and it's pure racism," McKenzie said. He said racism towards any race group in South Africa is wrong. "Enough is enough," McKenzie said adding that the PA will march - in their thousands - to the various offices where the podcast is recorded as well as those broadcasters where it is aired. He said the party will also take the matter up with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Gayton McKenzie takes legal action over Open Chats podcast accused of race-baiting Coloured community
PA leader Gayton McKenzie has summoned his party's legal team to take on a group of podcasters who made ugly comments about the Coloured community Image: Michael Sherman/IOL Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, has called on his party's legal team to draft a plan of action against a group of podcasters who made disparaging comments against the Coloured community. In a clip of the conversation which has gone viral, the Open Chats Podcast hosts make a number of racist comments at the community, claiming that not only do Coloured families have sexual relationships with each other, but they also suffer mental issues. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Reacting to the clip, McKenzie names members of the legal team who have been tasked with dealing with the matter. "I want a report today of how we are going to deal with those people who said Coloureds are crazy. I want us to use everything at our disposal. Tonight, at 7pm, I will tell our people what action we are going to take. It's racism. We must never allow people to become that comfortable," he said. McKenzie added that if Coloured people made those remarks about any other race groups, it would be front page news. The Open Chats Podcast has issued a public apology via its social media pages, regretting the incident. "The intention was never to cause harm or disrespect the Coloured community. Open Chats is a platform centred around open conversations which does at times touch on on sensitive topics, and with that said we do understand that as a platform we should conduct our conversations in a respectful manner. The apology Image: Facebook
