SAHRC demands R150K and public apology from Nota Baloyi over controversial remarks
Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi, a prominent South African music executive, is facing legal action from the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following his controversial remarks on the Hustlers Corner SA podcast. The commission has issued a letter of demand, citing a violation of rights to equality and human dignity.
In the podcast episode aired on February 17, 2025, Baloyi made inflammatory comments about white people, claiming they were “an inferior species” and asserting that they had “Neanderthal blood.” These statements sparked widespread criticism and led to multiple complaints lodged with the SAHRC.
The commission’s letter to Baloyi outlines several demands, including a public apology, removal of the offensive content, and a payment of R150,000 to a reconciliation organization.
Additionally, Baloyi is instructed to participate in human rights awareness training. The SAHRC’s letter states that his comments incite hatred, promote discrimination, and advocate violence against white people.
Baloyi has been given ten days to respond to the demand, with a warning that failure to do so will result in the matter being taken to the Equality Court.
Responding to the SAHRC’s letter, Baloyi remained defiant, stating that he would defend himself in court and urging critics to view the entire podcast in context rather than focusing on specific excerpts.
