“Never confuse my sexuality for weakness” – Somizi hits out at Ngizwe Mchunu for LGBTQ comments

South African socialite and actor Somizi Mhlongo has hit out at controversial media personality Ngizwe Mchunu, after recent comments in which he referred to people in same-sex relationships as “dogs” who should be expelled from South Africa.

Mchunu’s remarks, which have ignited a storm, were sparked by images and videos of the wedding of Simon Sean Nhlapo and Crosby Jodwana, during which the couple’s striking traditional outfits caught the eye. Nhlapo was in full Zulu regalia and Jodwana in full Xhosa attire.

On Sunday Mchunu was denied entry to the traditional market, Kwa Mai Mai, due to his comments about the couple.

In a series of posts, Ngizwe said Somizi, who is openly gay, was among those who should leave the country.

In response, Somizi said he had learnt something about traditional regalia which he had not known before Mchunu’s widely condemned outburst.

“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.”

Despite this, Somizi said Mchunu should not take his sexuality as a sign that he was weak.

“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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, 6,000 people have signed a petition against the KwaZulu-Natal media personality Ngizwe Mchunu, following his controversial remarks.

The petition, started by activist Kekeletso Khena, condemns Mchunu’s statements as both dangerous and unconstitutional.

“I am deeply alarmed and saddened by the viral video released by Ngizwe Mchunu, in which he refers to gay individuals as ‘dogs’ who should be expelled from South Africa,” it reads in part.

“Such language is not only deeply derogatory and hurtful but also poses a grave danger to the LGBTQ+ community, who are already subject to stigma and violence. As someone committed to standing up against hate and injustice, I am compelled to call for action.

“Mchunu’s statements are not only morally questionable but also in direct violation of South Africa’s legal framework, which recognises and protects same-sex relationships under the law.

“His incitement of hate speech cannot and should not be taken lightly. In a country that prides itself on its commitment to equality and human rights.”