Penny Ntuli Faces Backlash for Dangerous Highway Twerk; Ntsiki Mazwai Demands Fine

Renowned South African poet Ntsiki Mazwai has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Penny Ntuli, the Jozi FM host who filmed herself twerking on a busy highway. Mazwai, known for her candid and unapologetic commentary, suggested that Ntuli should face a fine for her reckless actions.

“I love her, but I think she should be fined for this,” Mazwai wrote on X, reacting to a second video showing Ntuli dancing directly in front of approaching trucks.

The Video That Sparked Outrage

The clip shows Ntuli, 28, facing her rear toward an oncoming truck while twerking, sparking immediate backlash online. This follow-up video differs from a previous one in which Ntuli and a friend were dancing on the highway shoulder. Social media erupted with debates about personal freedom versus public safety, with many netizens labelling her behaviour dangerous and irresponsible.

Penny Ntuli Responds

Addressing the criticism on Facebook on September 10, Ntuli explained that the highway stop was part of a long-distance drive. Feeling tired, she and a friend decided to stretch and dance for a moment of relief. She clarified that alcohol was not involved, countering speculation from some followers.

Despite initially refusing to apologise, Ntuli later issued a heartfelt statement:

“Africa, my continent. Africa, my home. Africa, the land of our ancestors. Africa, the land of my birth. To my truck-driving brothers, I apologise for my actions. I did not intend to disturb you on the road or put your lives at risk,” she wrote, adding that she had been so excited she momentarily forgot the rules of the road.

Road Safety Authorities Speak Out

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) condemned the stunt, emphasising that pedestrian activity on freeways is strictly prohibited under the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA).

“The RTMC is astonished by this behaviour on our national roads. Content creators should not risk their lives for ‘likes’,” the agency said, underscoring the potential for tragic consequences when stunts like this go viral.

Public Reaction and Cultural Context

The incident has ignited a heated conversation across South Africa. While some defend Ntuli’s choice as harmless self-expression, many argue that the stunt undermines road safety and sets a dangerous precedent for impressionable social media users. On X and Facebook, users debated celebrity responsibility, with some calling for stricter penalties for online stunts that endanger lives.

Mazwai’s intervention reflects a growing cultural conversation in South Africa about balancing entertainment and accountability, particularly as influencers increasingly engage in high-risk behaviour for social media attention.

As South Africans digest the event, the consensus is clear: while freedom of expression is valued, the highway is not a stage. Ntuli’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of viral stunts, the responsibility of content creators, and the importance of respecting public safety laws.

{Source: IOL}

Featured Image: African Insider