Overview

• The South African Human Rights Commission confirmed it is investigating multiple complaints about Mchunu’s online comments and said a public update will follow.
• The UDM lodged a formal complaint, citing a TikTok video that it says drew over one million views and attracted comments calling for the execution of queer people.
• In the since-deleted video, Mchunu condemned the gay couple Simon Sean Nhlapo and Crosby Jodwana for wearing Zulu and Xhosa regalia, called same-sex relations “rubbish,” and said such conduct “deserves jail time.”
• Complainants argue that removing the post does not undo the harm or potential incitement, asserting the remarks meet the legal threshold for hate speech.
• Cultural experts offered opposing views on the issue, while the Zulu Royal House declined to take a position as public discussion over tradition and constitutional rights intensified.