Offensive Podcast Sparks Outrage in SA: DA Reports Hate Speech!
'Open Chats' Podcast Faces Backlash for Derogatory Remarks
A recent episode of the 'Open Chats' podcast has ignited a firestorm of controversy in South Africa after hosts made deeply offensive and racially charged statements targeting the Coloured community. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the content as "deeply offensive and race-baiting," and has officially reported the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The podcast episode, which went viral on TikTok, featured the hosts engaging in what the DA describes as "despicable stereotyping," including abhorrent discussions questioning whether Coloured people engage in sexual activity with their siblings and labeling them as "crazy."
"This is not humour. It is not harmless 'pop culture commentary,'" the DA stated. "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."
Apology Not Enough?
While the podcasters have since issued an apology for the episode, the DA maintains that an apology alone is insufficient to erase the harm caused or absolve them from accountability. The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has also lodged a complaint with the HRC.
The DA emphasized its commitment to defending free speech, but asserted that this right ends where it infringes on the constitutional rights and dignity of others. The party called on all South Africans to reject this type of content and stand together against any attempt to normalise or monetise racial denigration.
The incident raises important questions about the responsibility of content creators and the need for stricter regulation of online platforms to prevent the spread of hate speech and harmful stereotypes.
What Happens Next?
The SAHRC will now investigate the complaints and determine whether the podcast violated human rights laws. Possible outcomes include a formal apology, sensitivity training, or even legal action.