08/08/2025
🗣️ “Coloureds are incestous, crazy and sleep with their siblings” – Open Chats Podcast
🎙️ Heard that clip? Ja, we all did. And now lawyers are getting involved and the podcast is being sued
But here’s the thing: under the new Hate Speech Act (2023), those “opinions” can become a criminal offence.
⚖️ So what does the new law say?
The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act now makes it illegal to:
🚫 Spread or publish anything that promotes hatred
🚫 Target people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation
🚫 Even in the form of “jokes” or “free speech”
🛑 First-time offenders? You can get up to 3 years.
🚨 Repeat offenders? 8 years behind bars.
It applies to podcasts, WhatsApp groups, TikToks, workplaces, even church groups.
🤔 But what about freedom of speech?
You can still express your views — but not if they cause harm or incite hatred.
SA law draws the line when words turn into weapons.
🧠 Employers & Creators — Take Note:
If hate speech happens in your company, brand, or platform — and you do nothing? You may be held liable too.
💼 L D Ramahanedza Attorneys
When public outrage meets real legal consequences, we’re the firm you call.
