Austin Mzukwa allegedly denied entry to Zanzibar over suspected gay relationship

South African social media personality Austin Adida Mzukwa was allegedly deported from Zanzibar, Tanzania, after authorities allegedly questioned his relationship with a male friend and reportedly considered the pair a couple.

In a video circulating on social media, Mzukwa said he and his friend were stuck at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar and were being sent back to South Africa.

“We have arrived, but we’re actually stuck here at the airport. What’s the name of this airport? It’s Abeid Amani Karume Airport. They’re saying that my friend and I are a couple, so we can’t enter the country. That’s it — we’re going back to South Africa. They won’t allow us to enter, so we have no choice but to go back. We can’t stay where we’re not welcomed.”

Mzukwa's comments appear to suggest that officials allegedly believed he and his male friend were a couple. However, the reason for the reported refusal of entry or deportation has not been independently confirmed by Tanzanian authorities.

It is therefore unclear whether Mzukwa and his friend were formally deported, denied entry or required to return to South Africa for another immigration-related reason.

The incident has prompted discussions online about Tanzania and Zanzibar's laws relating to same-sex sexual activity, as well as the potential risks faced by LGBTQ+ travellers.

Tanzania, including Zanzibar, has laws criminalising consensual same-sex sexual activity. The UK government's current travel advice warns that LGBTQ+ travellers can face arrest or imprisonment for same-sex activity or public displays of affection.

No official statement confirming that Mzukwa was removed from Zanzibar because of his sexual orientation had been made at the time of publication.