The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has condemned anti-LGBTQIA+ remarks made by former radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu, describing them as hate speech and a threat to the safety of queer South Africans.
Mchunu recently lashed out at same-sex couples wearing traditional Zulu attire, calling it “sacred” and reserved for heterosexual men.
The CGE responded: “It is not for Mr. Mchunu or any individual to determine the cultural belonging of queer people.”
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ORDERS MCHUNU TO APOLOGISE
The commission warned that such comments discourage LGBTQIA+ people from accessing essential services due to fear of discrimination and violence.
“Marginalised communities such as LGBTQIA+ persons are often discouraged from seeking critical services, including healthcare, economic opportunities, and legal recourse, when they live under constant threat of violence,” the commission said in a statement.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has ordered Mchunu to immediately stop publishing content that incites violence, remove offensive material from his online accounts, and issue a public apology.
The SAHRC said it may pursue proceedings in the relevant Equality Court if he fails to comply.
According to News24, Mchunu refused to apologise, saying the commission “will find their apology in my grave.”
In a viral video, Mchunu described same-sex marriages as “shameful” and claimed gay men wearing traditional Zulu attire “provoked the Zulu nation,” insisting heterosexual men have the right to “protect what is theirs.”
The CGE said the incident highlighted the urgent need to protect queer South Africans from hate speech and discrimination, and to reaffirm respect for constitutional rights and equality.
