Somizi calls for respect and education after Ngizwe Mchunu’s shocking anti-LGBTQIA+ rant
Somizi Mhlongo has broken his silence after controversial media personality Ngizwe Mchunu made offensive remarks about the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ngizwe recently found himself in hot water when he was denied entry to the Kwa Mai-Mai traditional market.
The ban followed his viral comments condemning a gay couple for wearing traditional Zulu attire, known as imvunulo, at their wedding ceremony.
In a string of online posts, Ngizwe took his criticism further by saying Somizi and others from the LGBTQIA+ community should “leave the country.”
Responding with calm but firm words, Somizi said he saw the outrage as a missed opportunity for education and understanding.
“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,” he said.
Despite the backlash, Somizi emphasized that the situation had taught him something valuable.
“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.”
He urged members of the LGBTQIA+ community not to react with hostility but to take the higher road.
“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 added.
Somizi also called for mutual respect and reminded his followers not to equate his identity with weakness.
“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.”
Trans activist Yaya Mavundla also weighed in, slamming Ngizwe’s remarks as discriminatory and dangerous.
“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 called out the silence from traditional leaders, saying, “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.”