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The National Task Team on SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression, and Sex Characteristics) Matters has strongly condemned homophobic remarks made by media personality Ngizwe Mchunu, calling them a violation of South Africa’s Constitution and equality laws.
The Task Team, co-chaired by Deputy Minister Andries Nel and civil society leader Sibonelo Ncanana-Trower, has backed swift action by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and warns that further legal steps may follow.
What Happened
The controversy stems from recent public comments by Ngizwe Mchunu that targeted the LGBTIQ+ community. The National Task Team (NTT) described the remarks as hate speech, not protected under freedom of expression laws.
“These statements are not only dangerous, but they directly violate Section 10 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA),” the NTT said in a statement. “Freedom of expression does not extend to incitement to harm or hatred.”
The Task Team is a multi-sectoral body involving government departments, civil society, and Chapter 9 institutions. It is currently implementing the National Intervention Strategy on SOGIESC (2023–2027) to address violence and discrimination.
Official Response
The SAHRC has formally written to Mchunu, instructing him to:
- Cease all discriminatory speech immediately;
- Remove offensive content from online platforms within 24 hours;
- Issue a public retraction and apology within the same 24-hour window.
Failure to comply may lead to legal proceedings in the Equality Court, according to the Commission.
The NTT also pointed to the Qwelane v SAHRC Constitutional Court ruling, which confirmed that hate speech based on sexual orientation is unlawful and that protecting LGBTQ+ rights requires actively prohibiting discriminatory speech.
Community Impact
The NTT praised the Kwa Mai Mai Traditional Market for taking proactive steps to promote inclusivity and uphold constitutional values.
“We commend this display of unity in diversity. It reflects the spirit of our Constitution,” said the NTT.
The body further encouraged civil society groups and individuals to use the Equality Courts to challenge discrimination and hate.
“As a nation, we must promote inclusive, dignified, and respectful narratives that embrace our diversity,” the statement concluded.
