Local activist leads call for ‘reparations’ after podcast’s offensive stereotyping of Coloured people

THE RECENT Open Chats podcast that has come under fire for alarming and disrespectful stereotyping of Coloured people is a big talking point at the moment. 

The programme included a loathsome discussion suggesting that Coloured people engage in sexual activity with their siblings, with one of the hosts also describing Coloured people as “crazy”. One host even added that, because she had dated a Coloured person, she was qualified to affirm this.

"Coloureds apparently chow (have sex with) each other," one of the hosts says.

In response, a co-host says, "I do believe that, because Coloureds are crazy."

The remarks have sparked a huge backlash in South Africa, with political parties and other organisations filing lawsuits and calling for something drastic to be done to these young, brash, allegedly racist presenters.

Locally, the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre in Kimberley also sent out a strong condemnation of what it refers to as “the deeply offensive and discriminatory remarks” made during the podcast in question. 

The director of the centre, Shaine Griqua, was scathing in his rebuke. “These statements are not jokes, cultural observations, or harmless banter – they are dangerous lies rooted in prejudice. They dehumanise an entire community, perpetuate division, and reinforce harmful stereotypes that have long been used to justify discrimination, exclusion, and violence,” he said.

Griqua said that his organisation is committed to human rights, social justice, and the eradication of all forms of discrimination, and clearly outlined why he believes that something drastic needs to be done to undo the damage done by the hosts.

This podcast has quite a reach, with over 500,000 subscribers.

“Such myths are false, harmful, and have no place in a democratic South Africa, and it is ungodly to say we as Coloureds have sex with our sisters and cousins and that we are crazy,” Griqua said.

“They perpetuate racism and stigma and violence, especially against historically marginalised groups,” he added.

He said that public platforms have a responsibility to educate and unite, not to spread prejudice.

However, unwilling to be just another voice of condemnation, Griqua urged the podcast host and production team to make specific reparations — including donating to a worthy organisation as an expression of remorse — and to commit to learning more about Coloured communities.

Griqua further strongly urged that, since racism doesn’t occur in a vacuum,  the hosts should commit to anti-racism and cultural sensitivity training and share their learned experiences with their friends and families.

He went further, even suggesting that Open Chats use their platform to promote truth, inclusivity, and respect and have Coloured co-workers on air to ensure their commitment to inclusivity.

“The Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre will continue to speak out against racial prejudice and will challenge any narrative that undermines the dignity of individuals based on their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation,” Griqua stated.

“We remind all South Africans: diversity is our strength, and racism in any form is an assault on the values of our Constitution,” he added.

For more information, or to get in touch with the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, you can call them on 062 299 6061 or 074 243 9670, or send an e-mail to sgadcentre@gmail.com.