SAHRC launches probe into complaints against Ngizwe Mchunu over alleged hate speech
The SAHRC is investigating complaints against Ngizwe Mchunu for alleged homophobic hate speech on social media, following a viral video that sparked outrage over remarks targeting a gay couple in traditional attire.
Image: Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed it is investigating complaints regarding alleged homophobic and offensive remarks made on social media by former radio personality and traditionalist Ngizwe Mchunu against the LGBTQIA+ community.
Among the complaints is a formal submission by the United Democratic Movement (UDM), accusing Mchunu of hate speech and incitement to violence following a widely condemned video posted on his TikTok platform.
Although the video was later removed, it had amassed over one million views and sparked calls for violence against queer South Africans.
One of the spouses was dressed in traditional Zulu attire, which Mchunu strongly opposed, directing slurs at him.
According to the Commission, several complaints have been received from members of the public and civil society organisations. These complaints are currently being assessed under the SAHRC’s Complaints Handling Procedure.
SAHRC spokesperson Wisanu Baloyi said in a statement that the Commission is aware of the alleged remarks and has officially registered the complaints.
“The Commission is registering the complaints and will assess them in line with the Commission’s Complaints Handling Procedure,” Baloyi said. He added that the Commission will announce the outcome once due process has been followed.
Baloyi reminded the public that while freedom of expression and cultural beliefs are protected under the Constitution, these rights are not unlimited.
“The Constitution and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000 prohibit utterances intended to be harmful or to propagate hatred on any of the listed grounds,” he said.
He further called on South Africans to respect and uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution. “The Commission calls on everyone in the country to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution, including human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination,” said Baloyi.
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