Gayton: Racism Row Deepens

CHARGES: Podcast, Macpherson, Mbalula in Hot Water

- Marizka Coetzer

A slew of racism charges against political leaders and a podcast underscore the persistent racial tensions in the country and could destabilize hard-fought national building efforts, according to an expert. "Enforcement of the anti-discrimination laws is crucial if we are to address this racially charged rhetoric and hate speech," said political analyst Rene Oosthuizen.

The Human Rights Commission of South Africa (HRC) rejected the apology of the hosts of Open Chats podcast that labelled the coloured community as crazy, among other offensive remarks, and vowed to investigate the incident.

ActionSA's MP Alan Beesley has also reported Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to the body for racist remarks after he repeatedly used allegedly hateful slurs on social media in years gone by that served to degrade and dehumanize black South Africans.