LGBTI+
The SA Human Rights Commission has found Ngizwe Mchunu guilty of hate speech for homophobic comments about a same-sex couple’s wedding. He was ordered to apologise and delete all offensive content within 24 hours after being chased from Kwa Mai-Mai market by izinduna while spreading his divisive message.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has ruled that controversial media personality and former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu’s recent tirade against a same-sex couple in traditional attire amounts to hate speech and unfair discrimination.
In a detailed statement issued on Thursday, 9 October 2025, the Commission said it had concluded its investigation into several complaints lodged against Mchunu after he made remarks condemning a same-sex couple’s traditional wedding outfits, accusing them of “disrespecting Zulu culture.”
The comments — widely circulated online earlier this month — followed viral images of the customary wedding of Simon Sean Nhlapo and Crosby Jodwana, who proudly donned traditional Zulu and Xhosa attire, respectively. Mchunu’s outburst drew a barrage of criticism from rights groups, traditional leaders, and ordinary South Africans, with many accusing him of using his platform to spread homophobia under the guise of cultural commentary.
Following an assessment of the complaints, the SAHRC concluded that Mchunu’s statements constitute a prima facie violation of South Africa’s Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000.
The Commission stated:
“The utterances made by Mr Ngizwe Mchunu are prima facie violations of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000. The Commission finds that his remarks amount to harassment, hate speech, and discrimination against members of the LGBTI+ community.”
In a strongly worded directive, the SAHRC set out comprehensive remedial steps that Mchunu must comply with within 24 hours of receiving the official letter.
According to the Commission:
“The Commission has sent a letter demanding that Mr Mchunu —
Immediately cease from publishing, distributing, or promoting any further content that incites violence, constitutes hate speech, or amounts to discrimination against LGBTI+ persons on any platform;
Remove all offending content from his social media platforms and associated channels within 24 hours of receipt of the letter; and
Issue a public retraction and apology, acknowledging the harm caused and committing to refrain from such conduct in future, within 24 hours of receipt of the letter.”
The statement further warns that failure to comply may trigger legal proceedings:
“Thereafter, the Commission will determine the best way forward, which may include instituting proceedings in the relevant Equality Court as per section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act 40 of 2013, read with section 20 of the Equality Act, 2000.”
SAHRC spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said the Commission would “not tolerate hate speech masquerading as cultural defence” and reminded the public that the right to freedom of expression “does not extend to words that incite harm or marginalise others.”
Ngizwe Mchunu, once one of Ukhozi FM’s most recognisable voices, has in recent years become synonymous with controversy — often positioning himself as a self-styled defender of Zulu tradition. However, many have accused him of using culture as a pretext to attack marginalised groups and promote division.
This latest episode appears to have backfired spectacularly.
Over the past weekend, Mchunu and his group of followers — marched to Kwa Mai-Mai, the famous traditional market in central Johannesburg, where he attempted to host what he called a “cultural cleansing and awareness” gathering.
Instead, he was chased away by Zulu izinduna (chiefs) who refused to allow him to use the space for divisive purposes.
“You are not coming inside. You can only access this place when you come to enjoy the place and eat meat. Go away,” one induna told him, as captured in a viral video.
The scene was met with cheers online, with many South Africans commending the chiefs for defending inclusivity and rejecting homophobia. Videos of Mchunu being escorted away by SAPS and JMPD officers circulated widely across social media.
City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, confirmed that law enforcement officers were on high alert at Kwa Mai-Mai during the confrontation, warning that any attempt to provoke or threaten the LGBTQI+ community would not be tolerated.
In a statement, Tshwaku said:
“Law enforcement is currently at Mai-Mai waiting for arson provocateur Ngizwe Mchunu to show his homophobic face. Touch the LGBTQI community and you will face the might of the law. The state will not bow down to lunatics who seek to sow division in the community.”
Civil rights organisations have also applauded the SAHRC’s ruling, calling it a “significant step in reaffirming constitutional values.”
LGBTQ+ activist Ayanda Khumalo said: “Ngizwe used his platform to mock and erase people who exist in this country just like everyone else. This ruling tells South Africans that hate has consequences.”
While some of Mchunu’s supporters claim he was merely defending culture, the SAHRC’s decision is clear: he crossed the constitutional line.
Legal experts note that the Commission’s remedial actions are binding in spirit and carry substantial weight if the matter proceeds to the Equality Court. Such a case could result in a formal apology order, sensitivity training, community service, or even a fine — measures intended to educate rather than merely punish.
What is also clear is that public tolerance for homophobia — especially from influential figures — is waning. Mchunu, who once enjoyed immense popularity, now finds himself isolated and widely condemned for his rude, inflammatory, and homophobic behaviour.
As the SAHRC put it, this is not about silencing opinion, but about protecting dignity.
“The right to freedom of expression is fundamental,” the Commission stated, “but it cannot be exercised at the expense of another person’s humanity or equality. The Commission calls on all South Africans to foster tolerance and respect for diversity.”
SA Daily reached Mchunu Fir a comment, at the time of print he had not commented.
