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Former radio presenter Ngizwe Mchunu appears at the Randburg Magistrates court.
Former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu may be in trouble again. Mchunu recently caused a stir on social media after his remarks condemning an LGBTIQ+ couple who were seen on social media, dressed in Zulu traditional regalia during their wedding ceremony.
Mchunu denounced the couple and demanded that they refrain from wearing Zulu traditional attire.
The Human Rights Commission has demanded that Mchunu retract his statement or face litigation.
Mchunu was charged in 2021 for allegedly inciting violence during the July civil unrest. He was later acquitted on all charges.
A video of a gay couple dressed in traditional regalia at a wedding ceremony caused a stir on social media. Former uKhozi FM presenter took to social media to condemn the couple, demanding an apology and an end to their use of AmaZulu traditional regalia. However, some have criticised Mchunu, accusing him of fueling hate against the LGBTQI+ community.
“If you can do it with other attire, we will never have a problem, but now I am declaring today that it’s prohibited for any gay man to wear a Zulu attire and go and kiss another man,” says Mchunu.
When asked who gave him the authority to make such remarks, Mchunu says he was appointed by AmaZulu King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini as one of the custodians of the Zulu culture.
“I have to jump in because I am one of the leaders of the Zulu kingdom and a Zulu nation. If what I am saying is wrong, somebody must come and tell me how I am wrong,” Mchunu adds.
The Human Rights Commission says it has instructed Mchunu to issue a public apology and retract his utterances.
“Given that Mr Mchunu has indicated via the media that he won’t abide by the commission’s letter of demand, the full court of commissioners has instructed our lawyers to proceed with equality court litigation on an urgent basis,” says Wisani Baloyi from the SA Human Rights Commission.
The AmaZulu King’s spokesperson, Prince Thulani Zulu says while he cannot comment on Mchunu’s remarks, it’s clear there needs to be more education around the use of Zulu traditional attire.
Video: Ngizwe Mchunu’s ‘homophobic remarks’ on same-sex marriage rejected: Thabsie Mabezane weighs in
