- EFF Condemns Racist Comments in ‘Open Chats’ Podcast: The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly criticized the podcast for allegedly making racist and baseless remarks about Coloured people, which they consider deeply offensive and harmful.
- Response to Apology and Calls for Action: While the podcast hosts issued a written apology, the EFF criticized the sincerity of their response and called for investigations, removal of episodes, and mandatory anti-discrimination training.
- Broader Concerns About Podcasting Space Regulation: The EFF highlighted the lack of regulation in podcasting, warning that it can be exploited to spread racism and harmful stereotypes under the guise of entertainment.
- Call for Legal and Regulatory Measures: The party advocates for the development of regulatory mechanisms and sanctions to hold those spreading discriminatory speeches accountable and prevent hate speech online.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has issued a scathing condemnation of the “Open Chats” podcast following the circulation of clips online in which the podcast hosts allegedly described Coloured people as individuals who “have sex with their siblings” and labelled them “crazy.”
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, 7 August 2025, the EFF described the comments as “despicable and racist,” adding that the remarks are factually baseless, deeply offensive, and rooted in anti-Coloured sentiment. The party said such rhetoric further marginalises a community that already suffers systemic socio-economic exclusion in South Africa.
“It reinforces dangerous narratives that undermine the dignity, intelligence, and cultural identity of Coloured South Africans,” the EFF said.
While the podcast hosts have reportedly issued a written apology, the EFF expressed disappointment in the manner in which the matter was handled, criticising the follow-up episode for lacking sincerity and failing to show genuine remorse.
As part of its response, the EFF is calling for:
- Mandatory race sensitivity and anti-discrimination training for those involved;
- The immediate removal of the offending podcast episodes from all platforms;
- An investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to determine whether the comments constitute hate speech or a violation of human dignity.
The EFF also used the opportunity to raise broader concerns about the lack of regulation in the podcasting space, which it says has become fertile ground for unchecked racism, bigotry, and harmful stereotypes disguised as entertainment.
“We will actively pursue the development and implementation of regulatory mechanisms that ensure accountability,” the party said, warning that sanctions should be imposed on those who spread discriminatory speech under the pretense of “free speech.”
In its conclusion, the EFF reaffirmed its solidarity with Coloured South Africans, stating that all communities must be treated with dignity and never be reduced to “crude, degrading stereotypes.”
“The EFF stands with the Coloured people and condemns these disgusting remarks with the contempt they deserve.”
The party has urged all media platforms, civil society organisations, and state institutions to take a stand against hate speech and ensure the protection of marginalised communities.
