Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi
By Thabo Mosia
Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi, a well-known South African music executive, has landed in hot water with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The commission has issued a stern letter of demand, accusing Baloyi of “inciting hatred” and violating the rights to equality and human dignity. This follows controversial statements he made on DJ Sbu’s The Hustlers Corner SA podcast, which aired on 17 February 2025. Baloyi’s remarks, where he called white people an “inferior species” with “Neanderthal blood,” have sparked outrage and prompted the SAHRC to take legal action. In this detailed article, we unpack the unfolding drama, the SAHRC’s demands, and what this means for Baloyi and South Africa’s ongoing debates around race and free speech.
The Podcast That Sparked the Firestorm
The trouble began on 17 February 2025, when Nhlamulo “Nota” Baloyi appeared on The Hustlers Corner SA, a popular YouTube podcast hosted by DJ Sbu. During the episode, Baloyi made bold and inflammatory claims about race, specifically targeting white South Africans. “They are an inferior species [compared] to us. We are Homo sapiens; they have got Neanderthal blood in them. This is science,” he declared. He went further, stating, “The white population is shrinking. For us, it makes no sense to descend into the savagery that they have.”
These remarks didn’t go unnoticed. Within days, the SAHRC received complaints from across the country, with many accusing Baloyi of promoting racial division and hate speech. On 20 February 2025, the commission announced it had launched an investigation into the matter. According to posts found on X, the SAHRC’s Gauteng provincial office was flooded with grievances, reflecting the public’s strong reaction to Baloyi’s words.
By late February, the SAHRC had concluded its initial probe, finding a “prima facie” case of hate speech. On 23 February 2025, the commission released a media statement confirming it would take Baloyi to the Equality Court. The decision was grounded in South Africa’s legal framework, including the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000, which prohibits hate speech and discrimination.
SAHRC’s Letter of Demand: What Baloyi Faces
The SAHRC didn’t hold back in its response. In a letter of demand sent to Baloyi—seen by Central News—the commission outlined its concerns and the remedies it seeks. “The commission has become aware of the utterances you made during the Hustlers Corner SA podcast, which premiered on 17 February 2025. The commission has also received complaints regarding utterances,” the letter stated. It accused Baloyi of violating the constitutional rights to equality and human dignity, core principles enshrined in South Africa’s post-apartheid democracy.
The SAHRC’s demands are clear and comprehensive:
1. Public Apology: Baloyi must issue a formal apology to the public within 10 days of receiving the letter.
2. Removal of Content: He is required to delete the offensive podcast content from all platforms.
3. Human Rights Training: The commission has ordered Baloyi to undergo human rights awareness training to address his understanding of equality and dignity.
4. R150,000 Payment: Baloyi must pay R150,000 to an organisation that promotes reconciliation in South Africa.
5. Rescinding Statements: He is directed to retract all written statements related to his podcast remarks.The letter minced no words about the severity of Baloyi’s actions. “Your utterances appear to incite hatred, promote discrimination, and advocate for violence against white people,” it read. This strong language underscores the SAHRC’s view that Baloyi’s comments crossed a legal and ethical line.
Equality Court Battle Looms
The SAHRC has escalated the matter by filing a case against Baloyi in the Equality Court, a specialised court designed to address discrimination and hate speech under South African law. The commission’s decision, announced in late February 2025, marks a significant step in holding Baloyi accountable. “This decision follows utterances made by Mr Baloyi on February 17, 2025, during an episode of The Hustlers Corner published on YouTube, where he made several statements expressing his views on white people,” the SAHRC stated.
The Equality Court case will hinge on whether Baloyi’s remarks constitute hate speech as defined by the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. The SAHRC has indicated it will seek a range of penalties, including a public apology, diversity and sensitivity training, community service, and a monetary fine. However, the commission noted that its requests “are not limited to these,” leaving room for additional sanctions depending on the court’s ruling.
Legal experts say the case could set an important precedent in South Africa, where freedom of speech often clashes with the need to protect against hate speech. The Equality Court has the power to impose fines, order apologies, and even mandate community service, making this a high-stakes battle for Baloyi.
Baloyi’s Defiant Response
True to his controversial persona, Baloyi has shown no signs of backing down. In a statement responding to the SAHRC’s actions, he doubled down on his remarks. “I take the referral of this matter to the Equality Court very seriously, as I join Julius Malema and Andile Mngxitama as other notable figures that have exposed the fragility of whiteness,” he said. Baloyi framed his comments as factual, adding, “I cannot apologise for stating facts, and I am glad to have been able to give those with Neanderthal ancestry a much-needed racial sensitivity crash course.”
Baloyi also praised his long-time friend and podcast host, DJ Sbu, for standing by him. “I am very fortunate to have a big brother like DJ Sbu, who has stood by me for over 23 years and has even given up his lucrative radio job to focus on making his podcast a success,” he revealed. He went on to disclose that DJ Sbu’s departure from the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) was no longer a secret, hinting at a deeper collaboration between the two on The Hustlers Corner SA.
Baloyi’s refusal to apologise has only fuelled the controversy. On X, posts have highlighted his defiance, with some users supporting his stance while others condemn it as reckless and divisive. The polarising nature of his response ensures this story will remain in the headlines as the Equality Court date approaches.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 97 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Makalo Mohale Appointed to Key Economic Advisory Council in Free State”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-097.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube