South African artist and media personality Ngizwe Mchunu is at the centre of a fierce backlash following a controversial video shared on social media, wherein he made derogatory remarks against the LGBTQ+ community.
In the video, Mchunu claimed that men dating other men are to blame for a multitude of social problems in the country and notably targeted popular media figure Somizi Mhlongo, insisting he should “leave the country with his nation.”
He also vowed to engage in what he termed “open discrimination” against those who identify as gay or lesbian.
His comments have not only ignited outrage among many South Africans but have also drawn the ire of various advocacy groups that champion the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
The situation escalated when Mchunu attended a gathering at KwaMai-Mai market in Johannesburg and was forcibly removed, as tensions ran high at the weekend.
Law enforcement was present to monitor the area, ensuring that disturbances were quelled and public safety maintained.
In a statement confirming orderly conduct, the authorities declared that “business operations in Kwa-Mai Mai are continuing as normal, and no gathering is taking place.” They rejected a request from Mchunu for a public gathering, indicating the community’s desire for peace.
Johannesburg Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku expressed robust support for the LGBTQ+ community, warning that Mchunu would face “the might of the law” if he continued his homophobic provocations. Emphasising the community's rights and solidarity, Tshwaku stated, “TOUCH the LGBTQI community and you will face the might of the law. The state will NOT bow down to lunatics who want to cause and sow division in the community.”
Amidst the growing outrage, advocacy organisations like Pride of Africa have condemned Mchunu's comments as “dangerously ignorant” and a direct assault on the dignity and freedom of LGBTQ+ Africans.
“We are deeply disappointed but sadly not surprised by the recent homophobic rant made by Ngizwe Mchunu. His statements were not only factually incorrect and dangerously ignorant but also a vile attack on the humanity, identity, and freedom of LGBTQ+ Africans. Let us say this plainly: hate is not heritage. Homophobia is not culture.”
Iranti, another advocacy group, has called for a formal public apology from Mchunu, along with actionable steps to remedy the harm caused by such inflammatory rhetoric.
“We call for a public apology towards the LGBTQI+ community, which is accompanied by concrete, remedial actions. This harmful rhetoric asserts the importance of the implementation of the prevention and combating of the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act of 2023, which aims to set appropriate measures for remediation in instances of hate crime and speech.”
Saturday Star