SAHRC Investigates 'Open Chats Podcast' Over Hurtful Remarks About Coloured Community, Mzansi Reacts

• The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched a probe into the Open Chats Podcast
• In a statement released on Friday, 8 August 2025, the SAHRC revealed the course of action it is considering against the Open Chats Podcast
• Netizens, including a famous person who was once probed by the SAHRC, shared their thoughts on the development
• Briefly News spoke to Nota Baloyi, who shared his thoughts on the SAHRC's decision to investigate the Open Chats Podcast

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an investigation against Open Chats Podcast over the derogatory remarks against the coloured community. This comes amid calls for the podcast to be cancelled over remarks made by its hosts in a now-deleted snippet.

The SAHRC has broken its silence after receiving complaints against the Open Chats Podcast following viral clips containing offensive remarks labelling the coloured community as “incestuous” and “crazy.” The comments received widespread condemnation from politicians, civic groups, celebrities and the general public.

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SAHRC probes Open Chats Podcast over hurtful comments

On Friday, 8 August 2025, the SAHRC released a statement on its X account confirming that while the Open Chats Podcast hosts had apologised for their hurtful comments, it isn’t enough to spare them from an investigation.

“The Commission has noted that the hosts, through their lawyers, sought to apologise for their offensive remarks soon after the discussion went viral on social media, and the discussion has since been removed from the episode. However, the Commission, through its Gauteng Provincial Office, has opened an own accord investigation and will continue with its investigative process,” part of the statement read.

SAHRC confirmed they have summoned Open Chats Podcast hosts Mthokozisi Methula and Busisiwe Radebe, while it considers the best course of action.

The Commission said it is still deciding whether to take Methula and Radebe to the 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.

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See the full statement below:

Nota Baloyi reacts as SAHRC probes Open Chats Podcast

Speaking to Briefly News, Nota Baloyi shared his thoughts after the SAHRC launched an investigation against the Open Chats Podcast. He suggested that sending individuals to jail for hate speech is too extreme.

Nota advised the Commission to focus on other corrective measures without imposing fines or other monetary punishments

"Their mandate is a catch-all for the legal limits of speech that falls outside the regulatory bodies, and although they serve an important role, sanctions like jail sentences for hate speech are far too harsh. At most, they should look to sanction violations through rehabilitation with no punitive financial implications," Baloyi said.

Nota Baloyi argued that the SAHRC has enough funding for its operations and suggested that it should be used for other purposes rather than pursuing legal action against South African citizens.

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"They have a massive budget and it has been increased; that money should not be abused for legal challenges to the desires of tax-paying citizens, as has been done in the past for the benefit of migrant criminals," he added.

Netizens react as SAHRC investigates Opens Chats Podcast

In the comments section, netizens expressed mixed reactions. While some applauded the SAHRC for launching an investigation, others urged it to focus on matters of national importance. Nota Baloyi, who was once investigated by SAHRC, also weighed in.

Here are some of the comments:

@Maso_90 suggested:

“Please deal with serious things like illegal immigrants and leave these kids alone!”

@lavidaNOTA said:

“No. We don’t need more regulation; we already have too much. Freedom of speech is why we fought apartheid!”

@Am_Xhosa responded:

“This is the most useless Chapter 9 institution, always looking for low-hanging fruit. In core human rights issues always found wanting. Personality, I don't see any need for this body, but "comrades inner circle " mayidle. Always want to remain relevant by provoking citizens only.”

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@KuxSuave said:

“This organisation has shown South Africans the middle finger.”

@Mach_1ne remarked:

“You are so useless.”

Slik talk slams Gayton McKenzie and the coloured community

Meanwhile, not everyone is supporting the response against the Open Chats Podcast over their derogatory remarks.

Briefly News reported that Slik Talk condemned Gayton McKenzie and the coloured community's response to the comments made by Mthokozisi Methula and Busisiwe Radebe.

While defending the Open Chats Podcast, the YouTuber also gave a word of advice to Gayton McKenzie.

Source: Briefly News