McKenzie apologises to SABC for dragging it into battle with podcasters he plans to sue
On Wednesday night McKenzie blamed the SABC for allegedly also airing the Open Chats podcast on its platforms, in which derogatory comments are made about the coloured community.
FILE: PA leader and Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has apologised to the public broadcaster for dragging it into its battle with podcasters he plans to sue.
On Wednesday night, McKenzie blamed the SABC for allegedly also airing the Open Chats podcast on its platforms, in which derogatory comments are made about the coloured community.
The party has also opened a criminal case of hate speech against the hosts - Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama - and included the SABC in its formal complaint.
ALSO READ: PA lays criminal complaint against Open Chats podcasters for insulting coloured community
Mckenzie has since taken to his social media platforms to retract the error.
"The CEO of the SABC has rightfully shown us that we are wrong in mentioning the SABC in our papers, that they have nothing to do with that vile podcast, and they don’t work with them; they are not on SABC platforms. So let me apologise to the SABC."
McKenzie said the party will now turn its attention to the podcast’s main platform, YouTube, as well as TikTok.
"For too long, people were comfortable to show racism to this community. This is where we draw the line. We will destroy them, if we let them get away with."
While the Open Chats podcast offered an apology for the offending comments, the PA said it was unsigned, generic and insufficient given the harm caused.