News24 to shut down its comments section

The announcement was made on the News24 channel by editor-in-chief Andrew Trench, who said they are taking a different approach to user contributions and engagement.

The comment section of News24 has always been a topic of interest among South Africans, and has been used as a platform for readers to vent their opinions, yet sometimes those opinions have been too strong, insensitive and at times, racist.

Of course, the news has taken to social media (as all things do), and the Twitter universe is having their say using the hashtag #news24comments. It seems like readers are for the move, and see it as a way to ban the trolls who often take advantage of the comments section.

@News24 #news24comments best thing you could ever have done. Those comment sections cheapen your brand with all the racist ugliness.

- Trynity Silk (@TrynitySilk) September 8, 2015

Now people might actually have to have real life discussions with real human beings. #news24comments

- Rick-Rack Cadillac (@irCadillac) September 8, 2015

It's all the fake Facebook profiles I feel sorry for. #news24comments

- geoff (@geoff_ink) September 8, 2015

The comments under the article saying that #news24comments are closing are *amazing*. pic.twitter.com/dhiVzzcnd6

- Sable Banterlope (@comradesipho) September 8, 2015

Racists when they hear that News24 is shutting down comments. pic.twitter.com/hSK8wy7WUW

- Khaya Dlanga (@khayadlanga) September 8, 2015

In the land of disabled @News24 comments, the anonymous, bigot, troll racist is mute

- Mike Sharman (@mikesharman) September 8, 2015

What do you think? Is this a good move by News24?