Culture Craze
Ngizwe Mchunu Faces Backlash for Body Shaming Sol Phenduka on Podcast and Chill
South Africans are divided after a viral Podcast and Chill moment sparked a heated conversation about humour, respect, and body shaming. Musician and media personality Ngizwe Mchunu is facing backlash for comments he made about Sol Phenduka’s weight during an interview aired on 9 October 2025.
When humour goes too far
The controversy began when Ngizwe referred to Sol as “sdudla mafehlefehle,” a Zulu phrase that loosely translates to “fat” in a mocking way. What might have been intended as a joke quickly backfired once a clip from the episode hit social media.
Within hours, the video spread across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, where users accused Ngizwe of body shaming and crossing the line between banter and bullying.
One viewer commented, “That’s not humour, that’s humiliation.” Another wrote, “We love jokes, but this was cruel, not funny.”
For others, the exchange reignited an old debate: when does playful teasing stop being entertaining and start being harmful?
Sol Phenduka keeps it professional
Despite the jab, Sol Phenduka stayed composed throughout the episode. Known for his charm and humour, the radio and podcast host, formerly of Kaya FM, carried on with the interview, but his fans were quick to rally behind him online.
Many praised Sol’s professionalism while criticising Ngizwe’s tone, saying his words reflected a wider issue in South African media: how easily jokes about body size are normalised.
Ngizwe’s pattern of controversy
This isn’t Ngizwe Mchunu’s first public clash. Just days before the podcast aired, he was reportedly denied entry to Kwa Mai-Mai, a well-known Johannesburg venue, following earlier controversial remarks.
He’s also faced backlash in the past for homophobic comments, which resurfaced online after the latest clip went viral. For many viewers, the body-shaming remark added to what they see as a troubling pattern of disrespectful behaviour.
Wait, did Ngizwe Mchunu call Sol Phenduka “S’dudla mafehlefehle”? 😳 That’s body shaming man…🤮
This episode was supposed to be a teachable moment, I feel robbed 💔 pic.twitter.com/3OGdEfqPHg
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) October 9, 2025
The bigger picture: humour, harm, and accountability
South Africa has a rich culture of sharp-tongued humour, where public figures often tease one another as part of the entertainment. But as audiences grow more socially aware, the tolerance for personal attacks disguised as jokes is wearing thin.
Body shaming, even when said in jest, can reinforce stigma and hurt self-esteem, especially in a country where body image is already a sensitive subject. The incident has reignited a broader call for respectful dialogue in local media spaces.
Platforms like Podcast and Chill, which reach millions of listeners, have enormous cultural influence. And with that comes a responsibility to create conversations that challenge without belittling.
What happens next
Ngizwe Mchunu hasn’t issued a public apology at the time of writing, but the backlash has already affected his image. Fans continue to debate whether he should face formal consequences or be given the chance to redeem himself.
For many South Africans, this isn’t just a celebrity spat; it’s a reminder that words matter, even when spoken in jest. In the age of instant virality, what happens on a podcast rarely stays there.
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: News24
