SAHRC: Podcasters who disparaged coloured people should undergo diversity training

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has concluded that podcasters who made disparaging remarks against coloured people should undergo diversity and sensitivity training.

The Open Chats podcast got into trouble for the insults that sparked a big debate on social media last month (August).

The commission received several complaints against the podcasters.

Open Chats podcast used racist and sexist remarks against the coloured community, sparking a wide debate about racism.

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The SAHRC then issueda letter of demands to Mthokozisi Mathula, Honeshna Margarido, Gontse Madikwane and Lefa Hlalele in pursuance of litigation before the Equality Court.

The hosts were instructed to tender an unconditional and unequivocal apology to be read on the podcast and then submitted it to commission.

They were also instructed to retract the statements and remove the episode from all its social media platforms.

The commissioner said the podcasters have agreed to comply with its terms.

In the letter submitted to the commission, the group apologised for the hurt and harm it caused the coloured community.

And as part of the settlement, the podcasters will undergodiversity training at their own cost.