Somizi Mhlongo Breaks His Silence On Ngizwe Mchunu’s Anti-LGBTQIA+ Rant: “Respect Goes A Long Way”

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo has finally addressed Ngizwe Mchunu’s controversial remarks about the LGBTQIA+ community, following a heated public backlash.

The drama erupted after Ngizwe was denied entry to the Kwa Mai-Mai traditional market on Sunday. His exclusion came after he slammed a gay couple who went viral for proudly wearing imvunulo—traditional Zulu attire—during their wedding.

Ngizwe’s tirade didn’t stop there. He went on to say that openly gay individuals, including Somizi, should leave South Africa, sparking national outrage and igniting a fierce debate about culture, respect, and acceptance.

“A Missed Opportunity To Educate Each Other”

While social media was ablaze, Somizi chose a surprisingly calm and reflective tone. Speaking out, he said he found a lesson in the chaos:

“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.”

Somizi urged members of the LGBTQIA+ community to rise above hate, calling for compassion and education instead of retaliation.

“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,” he said.

Somizi Mhlongo: “Never Confuse My Sexuality For Weakness”

Somizi ended his statement with a powerful message about dignity and self-respect:

“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. 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, trans activist Yaya Mavundla also slammed Ngizwe’s comments, calling them both “dangerous” and culturally ignorant.

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“That guy is saying LGBTQIA+ people should not wear traditional attire; he’s suggesting we create our own, which is problematic,” Yaya said.

“Just because you are a gay man, trans, lesbian, bisexual or intersex doesn’t mean imvelaphi yakho and your culture is erased.”

Yaya added that no one has the right to dictate who may or may not wear certain attire unless it’s formally reserved for leaders or royals.

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