Open Chats Podcast hosts Mthokozisi Methula and Sinothando Kama have issued an apology for the derogatory remarks they made on their platform about the coloured community.
The popular podcast recently came under fire for remarks which promoted damaging stereotypes and sweeping generalisations, sparking outrage and calls for its removal. Political parties — including the ANC, DA, PA and EFF — have condemned the behaviour and reported the matter to the commission.
After their initial apology in the form of a statement shared on their social media platforms, the podcasters apologised again in their recent episode.
Mthokozisi read an apology on behalf of the podcast, speaking of how they plan to take accountability after going viral “for all the wrong reasons” following the publishing of episode 128.
“We here at Open Chats Podcast wish to unconditionally and unreservedly apologise for the hurt and the harm we caused to the coloured community and to South Africa at large. We take accountability for our utterances. Our statements in the episode were racist, sexist, unfortunate, irresponsible, reckless and un-African,” he said.
“Our statements have caused so much outrage and offence, not only in the coloured community of South Africa but to all South Africans irrespective of race, colour or creed. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire crew of the Open Chats Podcast.
“We recognise that the success of this podcast and all affiliated podcasts is as a result of the right to freedom of expression we enjoy and benefit from. However, we recognise and now understand that we cannot exercise this right in such a manner that we unfairly discriminate against others based on their race, and we cannot strip anyone of their dignity through reckless utterances.”
Mthokozisi assured their viewers that, in addition to taking down the episode from their platforms, they were making a conscious effort to educate themselves about racism.
“Episode 128 has been removed from all our platforms, and we regret that it continues to be shared by people not associated with our platform, therefore causing further outrage and pain. We therefore ask that we stop causing further pain and request that no other person share it further.
“Beyond this apology and the removal of the offensive episode from all our platforms, we at Open Chats Podcast wish to demonstrate our remorse through further action. We commit to educating ourselves on human rights, racial relations and racism at a reputable institute of higher education so we understand these rights and never infringe the rights of others again.”
Mthokozisi invited political parties that have been vocal about their dissatisfaction to come on the podcast to discuss matters about human rights, race relations and racism.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.