The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has officially started investigating the controversial comments made by music producer Nota Baloyi.
These remarks, which included derogatory statements about white South Africans, have sparked a significant public outcry.
The Controversial Remarks That Started It All
Nota Baloyi made the controversial comments during an episode of The Hustlers Corner Podcast.
While speaking with DJ Sbu, he made sweeping generalizations about white people, calling them an “inferior species.”
He went on to say that white South Africans have Neanderthal blood and claimed that their leadership and wealth were in decline.
He also referred to the white population as “wild dogs” that needed to be tamed, further intensifying the controversy surrounding his words.
His inflammatory comments didn’t go unnoticed, even attracting attention from high-profile figures, including billionaire Elon Musk.
SAHRC Responds to the Public Outcry
The SAHRC responded by acknowledging the numerous complaints they had received regarding Baloyi’s comments.
In a public statement, they emphasized that hate speech and the promotion of violence are illegal, even in the context of podcasts.
The Commission also reminded the public that freedom of expression does not allow harmful or discriminatory language.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and the SAHRC has not yet decided what actions to take.
However, they have noted that this may include pursuing legal proceedings in the Equality Court, which is governed by South Africa’s Human Rights Commission Act and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.
Nota Baloyi’s Response to the Investigation
In response to the investigation, Nota Baloyi took to Twitter to express confidence that no adverse conclusions would be drawn against him.
He tweeted, “I have no doubt that no adverse findings can be made against me,” before adding in another tweet, “I’m just chilling.”
His defiant response has added fuel to the ongoing debate about accountability in public speech and the limits of free expression.
The Broader Implications of the Comments
Baloyi’s comments raise questions about the role of social media and platforms like podcasts in shaping public discourse.
As podcasts become more influential, the responsibility of both hosts and guests to adhere to legal and ethical standards is under scrutiny.
The SAHRC’s investigation will likely set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
As the investigation continues, many are wondering what consequences, if any, Baloyi might face.
Will this investigation lead to legal repercussions, or will it be seen as just another incident of controversial speech? Stay tuned for updates when the SAHRC shares more details on Friday, February 21, 2025.