The Patriotic Alliance’s Liam Jacobs opened a case of hate crime against the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast over their controversial comments about coloured people. Others like the DA, ANC, and EFF have condemned the “racist” slurs.
A clip of the biweekly show, hosted by Mthokozisi Donald and Sino Kama, went viral on social media. In it, the duo and two other female guests perpetuated stereotypes about the racial minority.
LIAM JACOBS, GAYTON MCKENZIE REACT TO OPEN CHATS PODCAST
On his Facebook account, the PA’s Liam Jacobs revealed that he had opened a case of hate speech and crimen injuria against the hosts of the Open Chats podcast at the Brooklyn Police Station in Tshwane.
Jacobs called out the co-hosts and their guests over their “deeply offensive and racist remarks” about coloured people. The PA senior leader – who has demanded a public apology – has vowed to take the matter up with the Equality Court and the South African Human Rights Commission.
He posted of his actions: “This is decisive action. This is justice. We will no longer be a punchline”.
Jacobs revealed that he had acted on behalf of the PA and its president, Gayton McKenzie.
The Patriotic Alliance is Laying Criminal Charges against the Open Chats Podcast!!
The Patriotic Alliance is Laying Criminal Charges against the Open Chats Podcast!!
Die hond is LOS!
This is decisive action. This is justice.
We will no longer be a punchline!!
Salute 💚💚💚
Posted by Liam Jacobs on Wednesday 6 August 2025
On his own Facebook account, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture vowed to take legal action against the Open Chats Podcast and their broadcaster.
He said, “This was not live. Whoever is in charge of content control didnt see something wrong.
“We are giving you seven days to cancel that show. …You are going to learn. This is where we draw the line”.
POLITICAL PARTIES CONDEMN COMMENTS ABOUT COLOURED COMMUNITY
Meanwhile, fellow political parties, the ANC, DA, GOOD Party and the EFF, have condemned Open Chats Podcast’s “racist” comments.
The parties have issued individual statements calling for a public apology and an investigation into the incident. The DA has reported the incident to the SAHRC.
The DA shared in a statement about the Open Chats Podcast: “This is not humour. It is not harmless ‘pop culture commentary’.It is an assault on the dignity of a community and an attempt to reduce the lived realities of South Africans into cheap, demeaning stereotypes for the sake of online clicks.
“Such content fans the flames of division and undermines the constitutional values of equality, human dignity, and social cohesion”.
GOVERNMENT SPEAKS OUT TOO
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister for Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, criticised the Open Chats Podcast.
Letsike – who previously condemned Podcast and Chill’s MacG over his comments about media personality and actress Minnie Dlamini, stated that the remarks about coloured people “undermine the values of inclusivity and respect that our society strives to uphold”.
She shared in a statement: “All media platforms, including podcasts, must adhere to the regulations that ensure fair and responsible communication. We value freedom of expression, but it must be balanced with accountability.”
“Addressing hate speech does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. It means keeping hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous, particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility, and violence, which is prohibited under our constitutional law.”
HOW DO YOU THINK THE OPEN CHATS PODCAST CAN MAKE AMENDS FOR THEIR ‘RACIST’ SLURS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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