Podcaster and anti-illegal immigration activist Ngizwe Mchunu in front of his torched Mbumbulu property which he has denied that he burned down.
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Outspoken podcaster and anti-illegal immigration activist Ngizwe Mchunu has strongly denied allegations that he orchestrated the torching of his own home in Mbumbulu, south of Durban, as support and donations continue to pour in to help rebuild the property.
Mchunu, who is known for his outspoken views and traditionalist lifestyle, was in Johannesburg when unknown men allegedly set fire to his home. His wife, musician Floda Graé, whose real name is Sinqobile Mchunu, was reportedly in Cape Town at the time of the incident.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party visited Mchunu’s property a day after the fire. One of the allies of the March and March movement, Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, popularly known as “Phakel’umthakathi”, also visited the scene and appealed to members of the public to donate R500 000 towards rebuilding the home.
However, Mchunu said he has not appealed for any donations. On the same day, ActionSA councillor Zwakele Mncwango also visited the Mbumbulu home to offer support.
On Wednesday, the ANC eThekwini Regional Task Team visited Mchunu and handed over a hardware voucher and an undisclosed amount of cash collected from businesspeople.
The task team’s coordinator, Thanduyise Sabelo, condemned the attack, warning that such incidents risk reviving a violent culture in communities.
Mchunu, however, criticised the ANC delegation for erecting party banners at the property during the visit, although the organisation appeared to accept the criticism.
ANC eThekwini Regional Task Team convenor Thabani Nyawose described the incident as a criminal act and urged the public to support Mchunu.
“We appeal to the community to donate. Those who are willing should give from their hearts. We also condemn social media speculation suggesting that Ngizwe is behind this arson attack. It is ridiculous to suggest such a thing,” said Nyawose.
“His mother is here, his family is here. No one would destroy their own property in this manner. Everything was burnt down.”
The attack on Mchunu’s property is not the first incident involving individuals linked to the March and March movement. Last month, another affiliate, Mthokozisi Gumede, had his family home in Harding destroyed where alluminium doors and windows were smashed in after leading a campaign calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the southern KwaZulu-Natal town.
Speaking to Durban Network Media & Podcast, Mchunu dismissed suggestions that he had set fire to his own house for attention.
“I would never destroy my own property for attention. Those making such claims do not like me and are celebrating my pain,” he said.
Mchunu admitted that he had been shaken by the incident despite years of living under constant pressure and controversy.
“Like everyone else, I was deeply shocked, even though I have grown not to be,” he said.
“My bodyguards can tell you, if something suddenly happens, like a gunshot, they are the ones who panic. I long ago removed that reaction from my system.”
He said the incident had forced him to reflect deeply, drawing on Zulu cultural traditions to make sense of what had happened.
“In Zulu tradition, when something happens, you first look at yourself before looking at anyone else,” he said.
Mchunu also claimed he has many enemies and suggested some people may be pleased by his suffering.
“I have many enemies, including Julius Malema and the LGBTQ+ community. So this may be their moment to celebrate. But we will see who comes out on top,” he said.