SAHRC, McKenzie Weigh In on Open Chat Race Row

The fallout from the Open Chat Podcast controversy shows no sign of slowing, with high-profile voices and institutions entering the fray.

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has urged the podcast hosts to undergo “race sensitivity classes” after their inflammatory remarks about Coloured people. While opposing jail time in this instance, McKenzie claims he has intervened to halt death threats against the presenters, telling would-be attackers: “Don’t do that. I’m handling this.”

His comments drew criticism from Economic Freedom Fighters deputy president Godrich Gardee, who accused him of failing to alert the police, calling it complicity in potential crimes.

Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) wants the issue discussed at the upcoming National Dialogue.

SAHRC Chairperson Reverend Chris Nissen said: “No apologies are not enough [sic]. They have to appear before the Commission.”

Public opinion remains divided, with some condemning the podcast as harmful hate speech and others defending it under free speech. Many have called for education and dialogue, warning against measures that could deepen divisions.

The programme has since been dropped from the DStv line-up, but the national conversation it sparked is far from over.

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