SAHRC takes Ngizwe Mchunu to court over alleged speech against LGBTQIA+ community

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), alongside advocacy organisations TransHope and the Hate Crimes Working Group, is set to appear in the Johannesburg High Court on Friday, 19 June 2026, in a case involving alleged hate speech against the LGBTQIA+ community by media personality Ngizwe Mchunu.

The matter, which will be heard during Pride Month, stems from comments made by Mchunu that the Commission believes amount to hate speech and incitement, undermining the dignity, equality and safety of LGBTQIA+ persons.

Represented by Lawyers for Human Rights, the applicants argue that the statements in question violate constitutional protections and contribute to discrimination and hostility towards sexual and gender minorities.

The SAHRC said its decision to pursue the matter is in line with its constitutional mandate to promote, protect and monitor the observance of human rights in South Africa.

"The Commission stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community," the SAHRC said in a statement. "All people in South Africa are entitled to live free from discrimination, prejudice and violence, as enshrined in the Constitution."

The Commission warned that hate speech targeting individuals on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity has no place in a democratic society, adding that such rhetoric can expose vulnerable groups to further marginalisation and may contribute to violence.

The SAHRC also expressed concern about the influence of public figures, saying individuals with large public platforms carry a heightened responsibility to uphold constitutional values such as human dignity, diversity and social cohesion.

"Statements that incite hatred or perpetuate stigma risk normalising discrimination and can contribute to real-world harm against vulnerable communities," the Commission said.

The case comes during Pride Month, a period that celebrates LGBTQIA+ identities while highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. The Commission said the timing underscores the importance of confronting discrimination and affirming the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.

The SAHRC reiterated its commitment to holding accountable those who violate the rights of others through hate speech, regardless of their status, and pledged to continue working with civil society organisations to advance equality and strengthen South Africa's human rights culture.