![vmexsa logo [front]](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%206490%201012'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The South African Human Rights Commission has confirmed that it is probing former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu hate speech remarks.
This follows his homophobic and offensive utterances on social media platforms made recently against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQI+) community.
In a video which has been widely shared on social media drawing attention, Mchunu is heard talking in disgust following same-sex matrimonial ceremony where the lovebirds donned Zulu traditional apparel.
He made derogatory remarks towards the gays community and further singled out choreographer Somizi Mhlongo, telling him to pack his bags and leave with his people (sic).
In a statement issued, the Commission revealed that it has received complaints from aggrieved members of the public and civil society organisations regarding these alleged offensive remarks.
“The Commission is registering the complaints and will assess them in line with the Commission’s Complaints Handling Procedure.
“The Commission will communicate the outcome of the assessment of the complaints in due course and wishes to remind members of the public that the rights to freedom of expression and cultural belief are not absolute.
ALSO READ | Men’s Council calls for action after suicide tragedy
“The Constitution and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair of Act of 2000 prohibit utterances that are intended to be harmful or propagate hatred on any of the listed grounds,” the statement read.
The Commission further called on everyone in the country to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution, including human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.
Complaint filed against Mchunu
Meanwhile, Positive Flames South Africa filed a formal complaint of alleged unfair discrimination and violation of human dignity against Mchunu.
“We have submitted our official complaint to the SAHRC against Ngizwe Mchunu for his blatant hate speech targeting the LGBTQIA+ community after the September 27th wedding. The South African Constitution is on our side,” the tweet read.
Creative | Nerd | Media Junky | Scribe |
Bitten by a media bug in the late 90’s – As a bona-fide Journo, he boast extensive expertise in print, online and broadcast medium and continues to strive to be the best version of himself.