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The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has welcomed the South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) decision to refer Ngizwe Mchunu to the Equality Court for remarks made about the LGBTQIA+ community. The UDM says the move is a victory for accountability and a reaffirmation that freedom of speech must never cross into hate speech.
UDM’s Position on the SAHRC Decision
UDM Councillor Yongama Zigebe, who chairs the Section 79 Committee on Gender, Youth and People with Disabilities in the City of Johannesburg, said the party views the SAHRC’s intervention as a win for human dignity and South Africa’s constitutional values.
“This matter has never been about opinion or culture — it is about human rights. No one should live in fear for who they love or how they express their identity,” said Zigebe.
Background of the Incident
Following Mchunu’s viral remarks, UDM human rights advocate Mxolisi Makhubu filed a complaint with the SAHRC. The UDM also wrote to the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, calling for government accountability in addressing hate speech and protecting vulnerable communities.
Call for Dialogue and Tolerance
The UDM emphasised that while it respects South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, culture must never be used to justify discrimination or violence. The movement urged traditional leaders, government, and civil society to promote dialogue, empathy, and education over division.
“We cannot preach equality on paper and tolerate hate in practice,” said Makhubu. “The SAHRC’s action is welcome, but this must also spark broader efforts to educate, protect, and heal.”
The UDM concluded that democracy thrives on dialogue, not hostility, and reaffirmed its commitment to justice, equality, and respect for diversity across all communities.
