Cape Town – The Open Chats podcast is facing growing backlash after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) announced an investigation into allegedly racist and degrading remarks made about coloured people during a recent episode.
The Commission confirmed on Friday that it had taken note of the comments made by hosts Mthokozisi Methula and Busisiwe Radebe, following public outrage and widespread criticism on social media.
The remarks sparked condemnation from across the country, including the coloured community and Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie, who directed his party’s legal team to lay charges against the podcast.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the SAHRC said both hosts had issued an apology through their lawyers and deleted the offending video after it went viral. However, the Commission said it would proceed with a formal investigation through its Gauteng Provincial Office, citing the potential harm caused to affected communities.
“The Commission also confirms receipt of several complaints from political parties and individuals against the Open Chats podcast for the pain endured by the Coloured community and other vulnerable communities as a result of offensive remarks uttered on the episode.
“The Commission can confirm that it has sent allegation letters to the respondents.
Media Statement: South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) investigates concerning remarks made on Open Chats podcast pic.twitter.com/rHJXQPc6VE
— SAHRCommission (@SAHRCommission) August 8, 2025
“Subsequently, the Commission will determine the best way forward which 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 with section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000,” said the SAHRC.
The Commission reminded the public that freedom of speech is not absolute, stressing that no one is exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act and the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, 2023 — including podcasts such as Open Chats.
SAHRC has said that it welcomes the Draft White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Safety released by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in July 2025.
“The Commission will be making submissions, as recent online attacks against the Coloured community and other vulnerable communities again underscore the urgent need for stronger digital regulations to protect dignity, equality, and human rights in the digital age,” said the SAHRC.
Additionally, IOL reported that MultiChoice had no involvement in the airing of the episode, as the company had dropped the podcast in July 2025.
“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.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
