Somizi Mhlongo Responds to Ngizwe Mchunu’s Anti-LGBTQIA+ Comments

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo has spoken out following Ngizwe Mchunu’s controversial comments about the LGBTQIA+ community. The backlash began after Ngizwe was denied entry to the Kwa Mai-Mai traditional market on Sunday due to his offensive remarks about a gay couple who went viral for their traditional Zulu wedding attire.

Ngizwe criticised the couple for wearing imvunulo—traditional Zulu regalia—and went as far as to say that openly gay individuals, including Somizi, should leave the country. His comments quickly caused outrage online, sparking debates about tradition, respect, and inclusion.

Instead of responding with anger, Somizi took a calm and thoughtful approach. He admitted that even in the heated moment, there was something to learn.

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“There was a missed opportunity to educate each other that was missed. I’m Zulu; I did not know there’s an imvunulo that can only be worn by the royals. I did not know that,” Somizi said. “With all the anger and the noise that was happening, I was able to find something I could learn from. That was a teachable moment for me, and I believe it should be respected. That is not negotiable, and I’m encouraging everyone to do that.”

Somizi went on to advise members of the LGBTQIA+ community to rise above hate and not react in ways that fuel more division. “The Human Rights Commission has to do something to make sure this does not continue. He needs to know he can’t wake up and decide people must be killed; their anger is misdirected. There’s so many things that are happening,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of respect and knowing when to engage in conflict. “Respect goes a long way. Tone changes everything. It’s not what you said; it’s how you said it. Know which battles to fight and respond to. Know which things to react to. Never confuse my sexuality for weakness. Never confuse my wearing weaves for weakness. It’s just that I’m a better and bigger person,” Somizi added.

Trans activist Yaya Mavundla also weighed in on the matter, calling Ngizwe’s remarks dangerous and dismissive of culture. “Here’s my thing: that guy is saying LGBTQIA+ people should not wear traditional attire; he’s suggesting we create our own, which is problematic. Just because you are a gay man, trans, lesbian, bisexual or intersex doesn’t mean imvelaphi yakho and your culture is erased,” Yaya said.

She further added, “We cannot allow him and his supporters to influence hate towards us and minority groups for any reason. To make matters worse, Isilo and his team have not said anything. He is not a spokesperson for anyone; therefore, he knows his place in society. If the attire is reserved for Isilo, which I believe everyone would respect, we will not wear it, but any other attire not formally reserved for leaders or specific people that any person of a certain culture is allowed to wear, the LGBTQIA+ people have every right to wear it.”

Somizi’s response highlighted the power of choosing peace and education over anger, proving once again why he remains one of the most respected voices in South African entertainment and activism.