The Open Chats Podcast is facing severe backlash after making derogatory remarks about the Coloured community. In a recent episode, the hosts described Coloured people as “incestuous” and “crazy,” sparking national outrage. The clip went viral, leading to an outpouring of condemnation on social media and from civil society.
Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture and leader of the Patriotic Alliance, has pledged to take legal action against the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast. In a video message, he condemned the remarks as “racism” and stated, “We must never allow people to become that comfortable.” McKenzie vowed to utilize all available legal avenues to address the issue and assured the public that he would provide regular updates on his progress.
Additionally, McKenzie announced that the party would be organising a march to the podcast’s recording offices. “We will not stand by while our people are reduced to the punchline of tasteless jokes. We’re marching not just for coloured people, but for all who are tired of being mocked and disrespected,” he declared.
He also mentioned that both legal and political actions are being considered, with the party demanding accountability for what they call “verbal abuse hiding behind entertainment.”
Despite the podcast issuing an apology, claiming that the comments were not meant to harm, McKenzie rejected the apology, insisting that the hosts be held accountable in their personal capacities. He believes that allowing such remarks to go unchecked sets a dangerous precedent.
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Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, also condemned the comments, emphasising that they contradicted the values of inclusivity and respect that South Africa strives to uphold. Letsike stressed that every community deserves dignity and respect, and public platforms should foster unity rather than division.
Singer Honeshma Margarido also addressed the issue after her appearance on the podcast. Margarido had made harmful generalisations about Coloured men she had dated, calling them “crazy mentally.” She later took to social media, issuing a heartfelt apology, expressing regret for her words and acknowledging the harm they caused. She stated, “I now understand that what I said was ignorant, irresponsible, and damaging. I take full accountability for my words.”
Comedian Marc Lottering humorously responded to the controversy, posting a sarcastic remark on social media. “As someone who is mentally slow and who sleeps with his cousins, I’ve actually done rather well for myself. And nogal without hosting a podcast. Shem.” His tongue-in-cheek response highlighted the absurdity of the stereotypes being perpetuated.
