By Siphumelele Madide and Khumbuzile Mbuqe
The “President” of Amabhinca, former uKhozi FM radio host and cultural activist, Ngizwe
Mchunu,had social media users in a tizz, following his controversial comments about gay people on
TikTok. The video, which he later deleted, went viral with over a million views, has faced criticisms
from human rights bodies and the public at large. Now, the South African Human Rights
Commission (SAHRC) is investigating him after receiving numerous complaints about his hateful
words.
The drama started when Mchunu saw pictures of a same-sex wedding between Simon Seun Nhlapo
and Crosby Jodwana on September 27, 2025. The couple wore traditional Zulu and Xhosa outfits to
celebrate their wedding nuptials. Mchunu, who’s branded himself the leader of a Zulu cultural group
called Amabhinca, got agitated and voiced out his frustration on social media and went as far as
leading a group of men clad in traditional Zulu gear to popular traditional medicines and meat spot
in kwaMaiMai in Johannesburg.
His bone of contention is that a gay couple wore full Zulu attire, that he claims is only worn by
members of the Zulu royal family. He accuses the couple of making a mockery of Zulu attire and
disrespecting the culture and traditions of the Zulu nation.
In his videos, he can be seen insulting the gay couple, and all other members of the LGBTQI+
community saying: “A man who sleeps with another man is rubbish.” He also attacks radio host and
media personality, Somizi Mhlongo, who is a member of LGBTQIA+ community and rights
supporter. In the video Mchunu calls out Mhlongo for being gay and spews out lewd names for other
gay people, even suggesting gay people should leave South Africa. Mchunu goes to an extent of
saying he would openly discriminate against gay and lesbian people, claiming their actions
disrespected Zulu traditions.
Social media users across various platforms expressed their sentiments over Mchunu’s video. Some
commenters found Mchunu’s words to be dangerous, saying they had the potential to incite violence
against people belonging to the LGBTQI+ community. While others found humour in the video and
simply criticized him for his controversial statements. Sadly, Mchunu’s opinion was simply classified
as rude, with keyboard warriors calling him out, however very few social media users seem to be
aware that Ngizwe and his supporters’ words are tantamount to hate speech.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), which protects people’s rights, received
complaints from organisations like the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the Embrace
Diversity Movement (EDM), saying Mchunu’s words were harmful and could be misconstrued as
encouraging attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community.
UDM called it “…hate speech and incitement to violence,” pointing out that South Africa’s
Constitution protects everyone, including gay people.
The SAHRC confirmed on October 2, 2025 that they’re looking into the complaints and they’re
verifying whether Mchunu broke the law that prevents people from spreading hate speech or causing
harm based on someone’s sexual orientation. If found guilty, he could face serious consequences.
Interestingly, this isn’t Mchunu’s first controversy. Earlier this year, he was falsely accused of calling
Durban comedian, musician Sizwe Mdlalose gay. He is also known to be staunch Jacob Zuma and
the MK Party backer. He often speaks loudly about Zulu culture with some people agreeing with him,
saying he’s protecting Zulu traditions, while critics accuse him of using culture as an excuse to
spread hate and exacerbate tribalism.
Comments from numerous social media users showed that his views were found to be distasteful.
@sihle_bester, said, “He’s digging his own grave. Who will hire a homophobic person like that?”
Others say he’s just standing up for Zulu values. But many worry his words could make life harder
for gay people, who already face a lot of violence in South Africa.
Last year, over 50 queer people were reportedly killed because of their identity. South Africa was the
first African country to allow same-sex marriage in 2006, and the Constitution stated that everyone
deserves equal rights. But Mchunu’s comments show that some people still don’t fully accept the
LGBTQIA+ community.
His video serves to remind everyone that hate speech, especially online, can hurt people and make
them feel unsafe.
Words have power, and when someone with a platform and a large following like Mchunu spreads
hate, it can cause real harm. The SAHRC’s investigation will decide what happens next, but one
thing is clear: South Africa still has a long way to go to make all South Africans feel safe and
respected. Mchunu hasn’t shown remorse or attempts at offering an apology to address the
complaints yet. Meanwhile, Nhlapo and Jodwana’s wedding, which should’ve been a happy moment,
has become symbolic of the fight for equality in our country.
