The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities welcomes the outcomes of the South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) assessment of alleged harassment and utterances of hate speech by Mr Ngizwe Mchunu and issued directives requiring him to desist, remove the offending content, and publicly retract and apologise.
The Department commend the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) for its committed and principled efforts to uphold constitutional values of dignity, non-discrimination, and equality. The Constitution of South Africa clearly states that everyone is equal before the law, and that neither the state nor any individual or organisation may unfairly discriminate, directly or indirectly, on any grounds, including gender, sex, sexual orientation, and other statuses.
The directive by SAHRC affirms Sections 9 and 10 of the Constitution, as well as the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, which ensure that no one in this country can engage in sexism or gender-based discrimination freely. Gendered abuse, hate speech, and harassment directed at any person, including on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, are incompatible with the values of our constitutional democracy and with the imperative of social cohesion.
- The Ministry therefore calls on Mr Ngizwe Mchunu to immediately comply in full with the SAHRC’s directives, inter alia:
- Cease publishing, distributing, or promoting any further content that incites violence, constitutes hate speech, or amounts to discrimination against LGBTI+ persons.
- Remove all offending content from his social media platforms and associated channels within 24 hours of receipt of the Commission’s letter.
By complying with the directives, Mr Mchunu will not only avert further legal consequences but will contribute toward healing divisions, reinforcing responsible public discourse, and upholding our democratic order. His compliance would signal respect for constitutional values, the rule of law, and the dignity of all persons. Our democracy is strengthened when every individual recognises that freedom of expression carries responsibilities, and it does not extend to demeaning or demonising others. We urge Mr Mchunu to heed the SAHRC’s directives immediately, to restore public confidence in respectful and rights-aligned public discourse.
The Ministry reaffirms that the Republic of South Africa stands unequivocally against all forms of sexism, gender-based discrimination, and hate speech. Through promotion of social cohesion community involves and fosters an inclusive, respectful, and supportive
environment where individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions feel valued and safe. This begins with education—raising awareness about the challenges faced by LGBTQI individuals and addressing stereotypes and discrimination.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities remain committed, in collaboration with the SAHRC, civil society, and all relevant arms of government, to promoting a society in which every person, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation, can live free from harassment, discrimination or harm.
Media Enquiries:
Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Head of Communication
Mr Cassius Selala
Cell: 060 534 0672
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