South Africa: Radio 702 anchor takes on station over controversial tweet

On Sunday, Talk radio station 702 in partnership with MTN held Walk the Talk, a walkathon organised by the station to bring attention to violence against women and children in South Africa.

During the walk, 702 posted a tweet comparing two black kids to dogs on their twitter page. The tweet sparked outrage from members of the public, including the radio station’s breakfast show host Xolani Gwala.

Gwala, who was apparently upset by his employer’s tweet, spoke to Primedia CEO Omar Essack on his Monday morning show, to explain the thinking behind the controversial tweet.

Omar Essack‚ said, during the interview, “It takes more dialogue and understanding. We need to spend more time with each other socially to understand each other’s cultures, I think that is the reason something like this would happen. Is it racism or is it ignorance? That is the question we have to ask ourselves.”

Essack continued; “What’s important is respect for each other, a sensitivity and a willingness to learn about each other. And in the microcosm of South Africa, we are still not there.”

Asked whether he thought the tweet was racist, Essack said, “The only way to find out if the tweet was racist is by engaging with the person who posted the tweet and in engaging with the person. You go in with an open mind and understand what motivated that tweet”

The broadcaster has since apologised for the tweet. These are some reactions from twitter.

The man in this picture must sue both @Radio702 @MTNza #MTN702WALK pic.twitter.com/l8Scd0V5Ig

— African (@ali_naka) July 23, 2017

https://twitter.com/PieterHowes/status/889398816193085444

Can somebody explain this tweet, I just don't understand. #MTN702WALK pic.twitter.com/ZariqnYuhh

— Mweli Masilela (@mwelimasilela) July 23, 2017

📢📢 This latest 702 tweet reiterates the URGENT need for a Media Tribunal into racism & lack of transformation in media 🏃🏽🏃🏽🏃🏽#MTN702WALK pic.twitter.com/KoPKoG3j1N

— Kim Heller (@kimheller3) July 23, 2017

Is it black kids vs Dogs?..🤔🤔🤔🤔#MTN702WALK pic.twitter.com/KOTAqhYfEd

— Ruby Moloisane (@diphetogo1) July 23, 2017

https://twitter.com/Macheblo/status/889475378456166405

Until when will White ppl insult us n apologize n get away with it? Racism must be criminalized #MTN702WALK

— Hlamy Mnengwani (@NkuziHlamy) July 24, 2017

#101ThingsIFindAnnoying comparing black babies to puppies #MTN702Walk
Yea, you got that @Radio702 management!

— TedBilla (@Ted_Seleka) July 24, 2017

https://twitter.com/Lizira00/status/889485187725361152

Staff Writer