UDM files hate speech complaint against Mchunu over homophobic remarks

THE United Democratic Movement (UDM) has formally lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against media personality Ngizwe Mchunu, accusing him of hate speech and incitement to violence following a controversial video targeting the LGBTQIA+ community.

- HOPE NTANZI

Mchunu, known for his TikTok platform, Ngizwe Mchunu Online, posted a video widely condemned for its inflammatory remarks.

The UDM described the comments as a “deliberate, calculated expression of discrimination” and “no less than incitement.” Though the video has since been deleted, it had already amassed over one million views, sparking hundreds of comments calling for violence against queer South Africans.

IOL reported that the uproar was sparked after photos of a gay couple getting married in traditional attire went viral.

The 44-year-old Mchunu made derogatory remarks in response, saying: “A man who sleeps with another man? That is incredibly shameful. This is the root of societal troubles. And that mgodoyi (dog) Somizi, he should take all his people and leave South Africa. We will discriminate against you publicly now?

One of the spouses was dressed in traditional Zulu attire, which Mchunu took great issue with, directing slurs at the man.

He said: “Imvunulo (traditional Zulu attire) is the pride of the ethnic group. We don't even want remuneration from that gay man. We wish a plague upon him. He deserves to be arrested or a talking to,” Mchunu insisted that the traditional wear is reserved exclusively for Zulu royalty.