Controversial political commentator and social activist Ngizwe Mlando Mchunu has issued an unconditional apology to the Johannesburg High Court after being found guilty of contempt of court in a legal battle involving Julius Malema.
The apology forms part of proceedings in which the court ordered Mchunu to be imprisoned for 10 days for failing to comply with previous court orders granted in favour of Malema.
In a written apology addressed to the court on Friday June 5, Mchunu said he “profusely, unreservedly and unconditionally” apologised to the court for his conduct before and after the granting of court orders on 12 and 19 May 2026.
“I have carefully considered the ramifications of my conduct,” Mchunu said in the apology.
He acknowledged that, as a public figure with influence in South Africa, he has a responsibility to conduct himself in a manner that respects the rule of law and the decisions of the courts.
Mchunu further stated that his attorneys had extensively briefed him on the judgment handed down on 5 June 2026, in which the court found him guilty of contempt for failing to comply with paragraph three of earlier court orders issued by Judge Khumalo and Judge Lukhaimane.
“It is common cause that this Honourable Court has found me guilty of being in contempt of Court,” he said.
The outspoken activist acknowledged that court orders are binding on all parties and that compliance with them is fundamental to the administration of justice.
“I am mindful of the fact that such Court orders are binding and must be obeyed by all persons to whom they apply,” he stated.
In a significant undertaking, Mchunu expressed remorse for his actions and pledged to refrain from making disparaging statements about Malema in future.
He also undertook not to display any further disrespect towards the court, saying he would comply with the order issued on Friday.
The apology comes after the court found that Mchunu had failed to obey previous court directives arising from litigation brought by Malema.
The ruling marked the latest chapter in a long-running dispute between the two men, which has played out both in court and in the public arena.
While the court ordered a 10-day term of imprisonment, Mchunu’s apology is likely to be viewed as an attempt to demonstrate remorse and a willingness to comply with the judiciary’s authority going forward.