MiWay CEO: 'I failed dismally' on comments about Afrikaners

An outcry erupted on social media after Otto's tweets were interpreted that all Afrikaners are paedophiles.

Otto withdrew his comments following attacks and calls to boycott the short-term insurance.

He tweeted about the book, The Lost Boys of Bird Island, saying that white South Africans - especially Afrikaners - should read it because they are "in denial about the destruction of the Apartheid-era".

The explosive book details an alleged paedophile ring involving high placed former National Party members and said to include the then Minister of Defence, Magnus Malan.

In his apology, Otto says he "failed dismally" to create a space for a constructive debate.

More oil was poured on the proverbial Twitter fire after Afriforum's Kallie Kriel called for Otto's axing.

"As CEO of MiWay insurance he seems happy to have Afrikaner clients, whilst insulting them," tweeted Kriel.

Otto pleaded for forgiveness, agreeing that he's tweets were "hurt and offended many Afrikaans-speaking South Africans."

"I take full accountability for my actions. I should have known better," Otto said.