The storm surrounding the Open Chats Podcast is far from over, as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, has vowed to take decisive legal action after hosts made deeply offensive and racist remarks targeting the Coloured community.
In a viral episode that has ignited national outrage, the podcast hosts described Coloured people as “incestuous” and “crazy” — words that sparked instant backlash on social media and condemnation from civil society groups across the country.
McKenzie didn’t mince words. “It’s racism. We must never allow people to become that comfortable,” he said in a strongly-worded video statement, adding that he’s demanded an urgent legal briefing and is preparing to pursue the hosts personally through the courts. “I’m coming for them with everything,” he vowed, making it clear that an apology would not be enough.
While the podcast team has since issued a public apology, claiming their words were taken out of context and not meant to offend, McKenzie has flatly rejected their statement, calling it insincere and inadequate in the face of such damaging rhetoric.
He insists the issue is not just about words, but about a wider culture of casual racism that must be tackled head-on. “They need to feel the consequences,” he said. “Not just as a podcast—but as individuals.”
As the fallout continues, McKenzie’s fierce stance is sending a clear message: racist speech will be challenged, exposed, and prosecuted—no matter the platform.
