The Democratic Alliance (DA) has strongly condemned the Open Chats Podcast for its deeply offensive and racially charged content, which recently went viral on TikTok. The controversial episode featured hosts engaging in harmful stereotypes against the Coloured community, including a disturbing discussion questioning familial sexual activity and labelling the community as "crazy."
The DA asserts that this is not mere humour or harmless commentary but a direct assault on the dignity of South Africans. They argue that such content fuels division and undermines the constitutional values of equality, human dignity, and social cohesion.
In response, the DA has formally reported the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission, emphasizing that hate speech, harmful racial stereotyping, and the public degradation of any group cannot be tolerated. While the podcasters have issued an apology, the DA maintains that an apology alone is insufficient to erase the harm caused or absolve them from accountability.
“We note that the podcasters have since apologised for this episode – an implicit admission of guilt. But an apology alone does not erase the harm caused nor absolve the perpetrators from accountability,” stated a DA spokesperson.
The DA reaffirmed its commitment to defending free speech, but stressed that this right ends where it infringes on the constitutional rights and dignity of others. They are calling on all South Africans to reject such content and stand united against any attempt to normalize or monetize racial denigration.
This incident follows similar controversies in the podcasting sphere, including Minnie Dlamini's lawsuit against Mac G for defamatory comments. These events raise questions about the need for regulation in the podcasting industry, similar to other forms of media, to prevent the spread of hate speech and harmful content. The ANC, PA and EFF have also voiced their condemnation of the podcast.
South Africa's commitment to dignity, respect, non-racialism, freedom, and democracy is being tested. The DA vows to stand up and defend the rights of all groups in society.