Primedia Broadcasting CEO Omar Essack was interviewed by Talk Radio 702 host Xolani Gwala on Monday.

CAPE TOWN - Primedia Broadcasting CEO Omar Essack says that the company is not a place for racists.

Essack was interviewed by Talk Radio 702 host Xolani Gwala on Monday after a tweet posted by 702 caused outrage.

The 2017 MTN Walk the Talk with 702 took place on Sunday when the tweet was posted.

In the tweet, two black babies were compared with dogs.

It said: “#MTN702Walk Aaaw! Dog VS baby … who’s cuter? Go ahead and evoke those broody feelings.”

Gwala referred to the tweet as despicable. He demanded a proper explanation and apology from management.

Essack says that they’ll meet with the relevant team leaders to discuss the matter and the way forward.

The CEO says that he has already questioned the social media teams.

The suggestion was that teams share pictures of people with their children as well as pictures of people walking with their pets. However, a producer merged a picture of dogs and babies for a tweet.

“A particular social media producer conflated the two and tried to be smart but, obviously, did not think about the implications.”

Essack has apologised, adding that the incident has brought up some important lessons for the organisation.

He has described 702 as a microcosm of our society, with people from all walks of life working for the organisation.

He says this means people view things differently, but with western culture dominating, certain views and cultural opinions may be suppressed.

“In this country, we have a history where black people have been objectified over centuries … that is wrong. So, when we go about putting out a tweet, in a way we did yesterday, there really is no other way to look at it but to say we were wrong.”

Management will meet with the person responsible and could take further action.

“If incidents of blatant racism are found within the organisation, this will not be tolerated.”