SAHRC orders Ngizwe Mchunu to apologise for homophobic remarks
Ngizwe Mchunu
Image: File
THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has taken a firm stand against hate speech, ordering media personality Ngizwe Mchunu to remove and publicly apologise for his recent anti-LGBTI+ statements.
In response to numerous complaints regarding Mchunu’s inflammatory comments, the SAHRC has concluded that they amount to prima facie violations of South Africa's equality and anti-discrimination laws.
The Commission this week released a statement detailing its findings, which followed an extensive assessment of the complaints lodged against Mchunu.
“Utterances made by Mchunu are prima facie violations of the provisions of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (Equality Act), 2000,” the statement noted.
Consequently, the SAHRC has issued a formal demand requiring Mchunu to take immediate corrective action. This includes an order for him to cease publishing, distributing, or promoting any content that incites violence, constitutes hate speech, or discriminates against LGBTI+ individuals across all platforms.
Mchunu has been given a strict deadline of 24 hours to remove the offending content from social media and issue a public apology.
The Commission's statement highlighted, “He must issue a public retraction and apology, acknowledging the harm caused and committing to refrain from such conduct in future.”
Failure to comply will result in further legal action, with the Commission retaining the option to pursue proceedings in the relevant Equality Court.
Somizi Mhlongo
Image: File
Amidst the controversy, Mchunu’s statements have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly his targeting of entertainer Somizi Mhlongo.
Responding to the backlash, Mhlongo called for calm and dignity, advising affected individuals not to let anger dictate their reactions.
“You know who you are, and if you know yourself, you're not easily shaken,” he remarked, encouraging a measured response rather than retaliation.
The SAHRC’s action underscores a broader commitment to fighting discrimination and protecting the rights of LGBTI+ individuals in South Africa, a nation that is constitutionally committed to human rights yet grapples with ongoing challenges related to homophobia and hate speech.