SAHRC Tells Ngizwe Mchunu to Apologise After Anti-LGBTI Remarks Spark Outrage

South Africa’s constitutional promise of equality is once again being testedthis time by a well-known media personality whose words landed him in legal and social fire. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has ruled that comments made by former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu were not just offensivethey were unlawful.

A Line Crossed

After receiving multiple complaints, the SAHRC confirmed that Mchunu’s public statements targeting the LGBTI+ community amounted to prima facie violations of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act. In plain terms: what he said meets the threshold for hate speech.

In a formal notice, the Commission ordered him to:

• Remove all offending material from his platforms within 24 hours

• Stop distributing or publishing any further discriminatory content

• Issue a public apology and retract his remarks

Failure to comply could push the matter into the Equality Court, a legal avenue increasingly used to hold public figures accountable for harmful speech.

Culture, Clout and Consequences

South Africa might have one of the world’s most progressive constitutions on queer rights, but public attitudes often lag behind the law. That’s why figures like Mchunu wield influence far beyond traditional media. His reach on social media and cultural standing in Zulu-speaking communities gave his comments a widerand more dangerousimpact.

The SAHRC’s intervention sends a clear reminder: cultural expression is not a shield for discrimination.

Somizi Responds With Grace, Not Fire

One of the individuals singled out in the backlash was entertainer and LGBTQIA+ icon Somizi Mhlongo. True to his brand of resilience, he didn’t respond with anger. Instead, he encouraged members of the community and supporters not to be baited into hostility.

“You know who you are… Don’t stoop to their level. Don’t swear at them. All you need to do is just be yourself.”

His response has been praised on social media for its restraint and maturity, especially at a time when tensions around queer identity and visibility remain high.

Public Reaction: Social Media Doesn’t Miss

On X (formerly Twitter), reactions were swift and divided. Many welcomed the SAHRC’s stance, arguing that hate speech disguised as opinion has long gone unchallenged.

Others claimed Mchunu was being silenced, raising tired debates about “freedom of speech” without acknowledging the legal limits of speech that incites harm.

Still, the overwhelming sentiment from advocacy groups and everyday South Africans was that enough is enough.

Why This Matters

South Africa was the first African country to legalise same-sex marriage and enshrine sexual orientation protections in its Constitution. Yet queer South Africans still face discrimination, harassment and violence across the country.

That’s why rulings like this aren’t just about one man, they’re about reinforcing where the line is drawn in a society still wrestling with inclusion.

What Happens Next?

If Mchunu complies, the matter may end with a formal apology and removal of his posts. If he refuses, the SAHRC could escalate the case to the Equality Court, where harsher measures, including fines or court-ordered remediesmay follow.

For now, the ball is in his court and the public is watching.

{Source: IOL}

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