"Human Rights Commission Calls for ‘Open Chats Podcast’ Remarks to be Discussed at National Dialogue

• The South African Human Rights Commission has called on the National Dialogue's Eminent Persons to discuss racist remarks made on the Open Chats Podcast
• The Democratic Alliance lodged a formal complaint against the podcast for statements made about coloureds
• The National Dialogue is expected to begin on 15 August, and South Africans are not excited about the dialogue

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, cabinet reshuffles, the State of the Nation Address, Parliamentary Proceedings, and politician-related news, as well as elections, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years.

JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG — The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) called on the Eminent Persons of the National Dialogue to discuss the Open Chats Podcast's racial remarks, which earned them criticism. This was after the Democratic Alliance lodged a formal complaint with the SAHRC.

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According to SABC, the SAHRC's Chairman Reverend Chris Nissen rejected the hosts' apology and said that they cannot utter hate speech and racist statements and apologise as if nothing happened. He said the hosts must appear before the commission, which is preparing the internal investigation.

Discuss the statements at National Dialogue: Nissen

Nissen added that there cannot be a National Dialogue without the inclusivity of all those living in the country who have the right to be recognised. He added that the comments came at a time when South Africa is hungry for patriotism and social cohesion.

What is the National Dialogue?

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in June 2025 that the government would host a National Dialogue on 15 August in Tshwane to address some of the issues South Africa is wrestling with, including socioeconomic, cultural, economic, and political issues. He announced a list of delegates termed Eminent Persons who would be spearheading the National Dialogue.

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What did the Open Chats Podcasters say?

Political parties condemned the podcast on 6 August after its hosts uttered racially stereotypical remarks about coloured people. The Democratic Alliance lodged a formal complaint with the SAHRC, and the Patriotic Alliance opened a case against them on 6 August.

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commenting on Facebook were not eager about the National Dialogue.

Mahlogonolo Kolobe Bonoko said:

"Another R700 million to be spent on dialogue."

Sofasonke Siwela said:

"They must also discuss Gayton's tweets he made before becoming a minister because they seem to be confused on what to discuss."

Pogiso Bothomane said:

"Racism did not start with this Open Chat Podcast. You can see that this National Dialogue is a political show-off."

Themba Mazibuko said:

"I think I am one of the few who still don't understand why we are having a national dialogue."

Neil Cole said:

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"One of the critical issues holding this country back is racism. We need to start by unifying our diverse population."

Open Podcasts pleads with people to stop recirculating clip

In a related article, Briefly News reported that the Open Chats Podcast hosts have called on South Africans to stop recirculating the offensive clip. In a recent episode, they apologized unreservedly for their remarks.

The podcast hosts said that episode 128 was deleted from the platforms and said that resharing the video is causing more harm.

Source: Briefly News