Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has issued a blistering condemnation of podcaster MacGyver Mukwevho’s recent derogatory remarks against media personality Minnie Dlamini. The comments, made during an April 2025 episode of Podcast and Chill, have been labeled as a clear case of online gender-based violence (OGBV).
Mukwevho crudely speculated on the cause of Dlamini’s past breakups, using vulgar language to reference her body. Deputy Minister Letsike described the utterances as “vomitous” and “a violation of Ms Dlamini’s rights to freedom and dignity,” asserting they reflect a broader crisis of gender-based disrespect in online media spaces.
The Deputy Minister cited a pattern in Mukwevho’s history of denigrating women and supported the Moja Love channel’s condemnation of his behaviour. She stressed the need for stricter regulations on digital platforms and called on society to hold broadcasters accountable.
Among the actions planned are referrals to statutory bodies such as the Commission for Gender Equality and the SA Human Rights Commission, possible criminal investigation, and engagement with Parliament’s Portfolio Committee. The Ministry will also support Ms Dlamini in pursuing legal recourse and press for urgent reforms to protect women from online abuse.
“We cannot allow such language to become the norm under the guise of entertainment,” said Deputy Minister Letsike.
