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The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has received a formal complaint against media personality Ngizwe Mchunu. Activists accuse him of hate speech, inciting violence, and ethnic mobilisation targeting the LGBTQIA+ community. The complaint, lodged on 1 October 2025, follows online content that reached over one million views before being deleted.
What Happened
The complaint states that Mchunu’s remarks were not mere opinions. However, they directly attacked queer South Africans, encouraged violence, and denied them the right to belong to their communities. The posts reportedly triggered hundreds of comments calling for the execution of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
KwaZulu-Natal has become a hotspot for violence against queer people. Organisations like OUT LGBT Wellbeing, Uthingo Network, and Iranti documented at least 20 murders between 2021 and 2023 linked to sexual orientation or gender identity.
“Once words of violence are released, they cannot be recalled. The climate of fear they create remains long after deletion,” the complaint reads.
Official Response
The complaint urges the SAHRC to:
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Investigate Mchunu and others for hate speech and incitement to violence.
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Refer the matter for prosecution under the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 16 of 2023 and PEPUDA 4 of 2000.
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Issue a public statement condemning such conduct and affirming LGBTQIA+ rights.
The complaint also reminds the SAHRC that South Africa is bound by international human rights law. Relevant treaties include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These instruments protect individuals against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Community Impact
Activists warn that unchecked hate speech can embolden perpetrators of violence.”Every day that individuals like Mr. Mchunu are permitted to incite violence without consequence is another day that queer South Africans live under siege,” the complaint states.
Civil society groups stress that homophobia is not indigenous to African culture. Historically, queer individuals held respected roles in communities, serving as healers, oracles, and mediators. Silence or political exploitation of hate speech could increase risks for LGBTQIA+ communities.
The SAHRC’s investigation and subsequent action could set a national precedent. It may hold public figures accountable while ensuring the safety of LGBTQIA+ people across South Africa.
FAQ
Who is Ngizwe Mchunu?
He is a South African media personality accused of hate speech targeting the LGBTQIA+ community.
What is he accused of?
Hate speech, incitement to violence, and ethnic mobilisation under South African law.
Why is this significant?
Unchecked hate speech endangers lives and undermines domestic and international human rights protections.
Which laws apply?
PEPUDA, the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act, Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and Films and Publications Act 65 of 1996.
