Podcast regulations in South Africa: A threat to free speech?

WHILE some podcasters are mostly in support of the move to introduce regulations into the space, there are concerns about having their voices muted.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies chairperson, Khusela Sangoni Diko, has explained that discussions surrounding regulating the podcast space aren't new and are part of an effort to ensure current legislation is kept up to date with the evolving technological landscape.

The discussion of podcast regulations re-emerged after well-known South African podcaster Macgyver 'MacG' Mukwevho was condemned last month for his offensive remarks about presenter, TV producer, and actress Minnie Dlamini.

MacG is the creator and host of Podcast and Chill with MacG, which is one of the top podcasts in the country. He made crass assumptions about Dlamini's previous romantic break-ups, saying: "Bro, I'm telling you man. There's got to be something wrong with her; maybe her c**chie smells or something. You know this happens, man, it happens, especially with the hot girls."

While his commentary was not out of the norm for his platform, social media did not take kindly to his remarks.

Even Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, condemned what he said as "nauseating in its vulgarity" and a violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom, security, equality, and human dignity.

Letsike committed to pursuing multiple avenues to hold Mukwevho accountable, stating that she will also escalate the issue to Parliament and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies for urgent regulatory review of online content that perpetuates gender stereotypes.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Dlamini said she received a direct apology from the Podcast and Chill attorneys but still intends to pursue legal recourse.

MacG recently commented on the matter in a recent episode, saying that they took podcasting to another level.

The furore sparked a debate about regulating such platforms, which prompted Diko to call for accountability in the sector.