Racist comments on Open Chats Podcast spark outrage; MultiChoice clarifies stance

MultiChoice has distanced itself from the Open Chats Podcast amid growing backlash over racist comments made by the hosts towards the coloured community.

In response to inquiries from IOL, a spokesperson for MultiChoice confirmed their awareness of the recent controversy, stating, "Open Chats’ contract with DStv ended on July 25, as the show was removed to make way for our August content slate.

The episode in question was not aired on our platform." The spokesperson further emphasised that MultiChoice adheres to stringent quality control processes and does not endorse any form of discriminatory content.

"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. 

The 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. 

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 DAs 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 ANC has also 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. 

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