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Ngizwe Mchunu Faces Public Fury Over Homophobic Outburst
Ngizwe Mchunu has never been a stranger to controversy, but this time his words have sparked a nationwide backlash. The 44-year-old media personality is under fire after releasing a video tirade filled with homophobic insults, triggered by photos of a gay couple who tied the knot in traditional Zulu attire.
The remarks that caused outrage
In the clip, Mchunu dismissed same-sex relationships as “shameful” and took aim at popular media figure Somizi Mhlongo, calling him slurs and demanding that he “leave South Africa.” He also cursed one of the newlyweds, saying that the man, who wore imvunulo (traditional Zulu attire), had disrespected Zulu culture.
“Imvunulo is the pride of the ethnic group,” Mchunu said, insisting it was reserved for royalty. He went as far as wishing a “plague” upon the groom and suggesting he should face arrest.
His words quickly went viral, drawing anger from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and ordinary South Africans alike.
The law versus free speech
Kim Lithgow, speaking on behalf of the Hate Crimes Working Group and Same Love Toti, labelled Mchunu’s comments as outright hate speech. Under Section 16 of the South African Constitution, freedom of expression does not extend to speech that incites harm by advocating hatred.
Lithgow argued that Mchunu’s words cross this line. “This is inciting violence against gay and lesbian individuals. It is against the law to commit hate speech. He has gone against everything that South Africa stands for,” she said.
The organisations plan to take action, including lodging a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission and approaching the Equality Court.
A country that fought for rights
South Africa was the first country in the world to enshrine LGBTQ+ protections in its Constitution after apartheid. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2006. Against this backdrop, Mchunu’s outburst is seen by many not just as offensive but as a rejection of the inclusive values that define the democratic order.
Social media lit up in condemnation, with hashtags calling for accountability and reminders that hate speech is not protected under freedom of expression. Many South Africans highlighted the irony of Mchunu invoking culture while using it to exclude and demean others.
Calls for accountability
Lithgow and her organisations are demanding that Mchunu retract his remarks, donate to an LGBTQ+ charity, and undergo sensitivity training. “He needs to learn what the law says about LGBTQ lives,” she insisted, warning that this was not the first time Mchunu had made such statements.
For many, the episode underscores the ongoing tension between personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and constitutional rights. The backlash shows how fiercely South Africans are willing to defend equality in a country where the scars of discrimination remain fresh.
Whether Mchunu chooses to apologise or face the consequences, one thing is certain: the country is watching closely.
Also read: South Africa’s New National Action Plan Targets Fake and Substandard Medicines
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Instagram/@ngizweonline
