The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has officially opened an investigation into KwaZulu-Natal media figure Ngizwe Mchunu following a firestorm of controversy. The probe was triggered by a flood of public complaints concerning a social media post in which Mchunu launched a virulent attack against the LGBTQIA+ community. A spokesperson for the commission confirmed the development, stating that the matter was being treated with the utmost seriousness.
Wisani Baloyi, the SAHRC’s official spokesman, confirmed the active investigation. He remarked,
“I can confirm that we have received numerous complaints concerning this issue. Regrettably, the specifics remain confidential at this preliminary stage. The commission will, in due course, issue a public statement to keep the nation informed on our progress.”
A Traditional Wedding That Sparked a National Uproar
The furore began when images and videos from the wedding of Simon Sean Nhlapo and Crosby Jodwana circulated online. The couple, who had celebrated their union in a ceremony of undisclosed location, were noted for their striking choice of attire; Nhlapo was resplendent in full Zulu regalia, while Jodwana wore traditional Xhosa dress.
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This display of cultural pride, however, incensed Mchunu, who took to social media to deliver a furious rant. He asserted that traditional clothing was sacred and its use by a same-sex couple was a profound desecration, going so far as to call for their imprisonment.
In his now-viral post, Mchunu declared,
“Here in KZN, we’ll never allow this. We have rights over our traditional regalia and will protect what is rightfully ours.”
This statement has since drawn both condemnation and support, highlighting a deep cultural rift within the nation.
Political Heavyweight Condemns “Chilling and Dangerous” Rhetoric
The backlash was not confined to social media users. The United Democratic Movement (UDM), under the leadership of General Bantu Holomisa, issued a formal and powerfully worded condemnation of Mchunu’s comments. The party’s statement left no room for ambiguity regarding its position.
General Holomisa stated,
“The UDM is outraged and disturbed by the appalling remarks made by Ngizwe Mchunu on his TikTok platform, where he launched into a hate-filled tirade targeting the LGBTQIA+ community.” He emphasised that this was not a simple error in judgement, describing it as “a deliberate, calculated expression of discrimination and what appears to be incitement.” Holomisa characterised Mchunu’s declaration as “a statement as chilling as it is dangerous.”
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The UDM leader situated the incident within South Africa’s broader struggle for equality, affirming the constitutional rights of all citizens. He concluded with a message of solidarity, saying,
“You are seen. You are valued. And you belong. Your existence is not up for debate. Your right to live free from fear is non-negotiable.”
With the SAHRC now involved, the nation watches to see what consequences will follow from this incendiary episode.