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SAHRC to Investigate Open Chats Podcast Despite Apology and Clip Removal

Published

3 weeks ago

August 8, 2025

Chiraag

SAHRC podcast probe, Open Chats racist clip, Coloured community defamation, human rights South Africa, podcast hate speech investigation, Equality Court South Africa, MultiChoice response Open Chats, Joburg ETC

Clip removed, apology issued, but probe goes ahead

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed it is formally investigating the Open Chats Podcast over a viral clip that sparked outrage across the country. Despite the podcast team deleting the clip and issuing an apology through legal representatives, the Commission says it will continue with its process to determine whether the statements amount to hate speech or unfair discrimination.

The clip in question, which made the rounds on social media in early August, contains deeply offensive and racist remarks about Coloured South Africans. In it, one of the hosts claims that Coloured families engage in incest, while another responds by saying they “believe it” because “Coloureds are crazy.”

Public outrage over slurs

The clip was met with immediate public backlash. Thousands of South Africans, including prominent figures, slammed the show for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and fuelling social division. Many demanded formal action, arguing that an apology was not enough.

Soon after the controversy exploded online, the podcast team removed the clip from the episode and apologised through their lawyers. However, the damage had already been done. The SAHRC’s Gauteng Provincial Office confirmed that it has opened the matter of its own accord, meaning it did not need a formal complaint to act.

What happens next?

The Commission has sent letters to the parties involved and is assessing the next steps. This could include referring the matter to the Equality Court, where legal action may be taken under section 13(3)(b) of the SAHRC Act, read with section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.

If the case goes to court, it will be one of the most high-profile examples this year of how digital platforms and their content creators are being held accountable for human rights violations.

MultiChoice distances itself

Adding to the fallout, MultiChoice confirmed that it had already cut ties with the Open Chats Podcast in July 2025, well before the scandal erupted publicly. “Open Chats’ contract with DStv ended on 25 July 2025, as the show was removed to make way for our August content slate,” said a MultiChoice spokesperson. “The episode in question was not aired on our platform.”

While the timing of the split appears coincidental, the confirmation has helped distance the broadcaster from the controversy. Still, the incident raises bigger questions about editorial oversight, platform responsibility, and the line between freedom of speech and hate speech.

A broader conversation

This latest investigation comes at a time when South Africa is reckoning with the impact of online content that crosses the line. While satire, freedom of expression, and dark humour have long existed in entertainment, the normalisation of discrimination and racial slurs in digital media is prompting regulators to take firmer stances.

Whether or not the Equality Court ends up involved, the SAHRC’s response sends a clear message: an apology is not a free pass when human dignity is undermined.