The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has ruled that hosts of the Open Chats podcast must undertake diversity and sensitivity training following derogatory comments made about the coloured community. The decision comes after a viral clip from an August episode, in which hosts Mthokozisi Mathula, Honeshna Margarido, Gontse Madikwane, and Lefa Hlalele described coloured people as “incestuous” and “crazy,” prompting widespread public outrage.
The SAHRC received multiple complaints, including from political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Patriotic Alliance (PA), condemning the remarks as hate speech. The commission issued a letter demanding an apology, retraction of the statements, and removal of the episode from all platforms. The hosts complied, issuing an apology on the podcast and committing to refrain from further discriminatory remarks. As part of the settlement, they will also perform community service at their own cost.
SAHRC chairperson Chris Nissen described the comments as “vile and appalling,” emphasising the need for accountability in digital media. The controversy has reignited debates about podcast regulation, with some arguing existing hate speech laws suffice, while others call for stricter oversight to protect vulnerable communities.
The incident also drew attention to Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who condemned the podcasters but faced scrutiny over his own past social media posts. The SAHRC is investigating McKenzie separately for alleged hate speech.
