The controversy ignited by Ngizwe Mchunu’s comments targeting the LGBTQ+ community and specifically questioning the wearing of imvunulo (traditional Zulu regalia) by gay individuals has been met with a powerful and measured response from media personality and cultural icon, Somizi Mhlongo.

Mhlongo’s address, delivered in the wake of significant public debate and a subsequent anti-gay demonstration, transcends a mere clapback, transforming into a crucial call for mutual respect, education, and the responsible exercise of human rights in South Africa.

Mhlongo began by setting a measured tone, acknowledging the need for reflection now that “the dust is slowly settling.

” He immediately framed the incident not as a conflict to be escalated, but as a “missed opportunity to educate each other.”

A key part of Mhlongo’s response centered on the cultural aspect of the dispute.

He admitted to a personal lack of knowledge, stating, “I did not know that imvunulo… can only be worn by the royal right.

” This admission was significant, as it highlighted a genuine moment of learning that emerged from the confrontation.

He continued: “I was able to find something that I can learn from it, which I learned: that only the royal family or the royal household can wear imvunulo… And that was a teachable moment for me, and I believe that it should be respected.”

This pivotal point separates the cultural issue from the homophobic remarks.

For Mhlongo, respecting the tradition is “not even negotiable.”

He pointedly addressed the sale of such garments, questioning why they are sold if their use is strictly limited: “It’s not supposed to be sold… It’s supposed to be made only for the royal family, sharp.

And then there’s other traditional regalia that can be bought and sold.

” By separating the cultural lesson from the vitriol, Mhlongo established a position of respect toward Zulu tradition while simultaneously condemning the manner in which the critique was delivered.

However, the core of his message was directed at the homophobic tone and its potential for harm.

Mhlongo was uncompromising in his condemnation of the incendiary remarks and the subsequent march, stating clearly: “Their tone was wrong. Their tone was rude… they incite violence.”

He then turned his attention to the LGBTQ+ community, urging a calm and strategic response.

He appealed for emotional intelligence and emotional maturity, cautioning against falling into the trap of retaliation: “Let’s not do that.

Two wrongs don’t make it right.” He explicitly advised against disrespecting tradition as a form of backlash, arguing that such an action would only serve to justify the initial aggressors’ rudeness and violence.

Mhlongo underscored the fundamental human rights guaranteed in South Africa.

He reminded the public that “everyone has the right, human right to be who they want to be anywhere, any time.

” The suggestion that gay people should leave South Africa was dismissed with a sharp, “You can—you can leave.

Bye-bye.

Sharp.

“

The media personality did not shy away from exposing what he views as the sheer misdirection of the anti-gay anger.

He contrasted the focus on “who puts it in whose ass” with the genuinely pressing crises facing the nation.

He rattled off a grim list of real issues: “illegal people that are taking their jobs… crime.

There’s government corruption.

There’s 95% unemployment rate.

The youth is not employed… The youth is depressed.

The youth is suicidal.”

Mhlongo was particularly emphatic about the devastating crisis of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a far more urgent social ill than private sexual orientation.

He lamented the daily horror: “Young kids and girls and women are killed and raped every single minute… there’s a girl who’s screaming.

There’s a girl who’s terrified of the perpetrator living with them… But you worried about who puts it in whose ass.

” He questioned the futility of marching “for the whole day, only to be turned back,” when genuine problems are left unaddressed.

Addressing the critique that the controversy did not deserve his attention, Mhlongo affirmed the necessity of using his platform: “It—it does, my baby.

It does because if I keep quiet for too long, and my talking about it could prevent certain things to happen because people need to know.

You can’t just wake up and say people must be killed.

” He stressed that while the rainbow community should not “match the energy,” individuals with a voice must speak out.

In summing up his philosophy on conflict, Mhlongo offered profound advice, emphasizing the power of controlled reaction.

He stressed the difference between action and reaction, stating that the primary lesson is that “Tone changes everything. It’s not what you said, it’s how you said it.”

He also gave a powerful personal reflection on strength: “Walking away or keeping quiet does not make you igwala (a coward)… Know which battles to fight.”

He concluded with a pointed warning against underestimation: “Never confuse my sexuality for weakness. Never confuse my wearing weaves and don’t for weakness.”

This was a clear declaration of strength, tempered by a desire for peace.

While affirming his and the community’s capacity to fight, he stated the confrontation is “not worth it, guys,” because “people are going to die on both ends.”

Mhlongo expressed empathy for those manipulated by homophobia, noting: “The only thing they know… that’s what they grew up knowing… it’s also the fear of the unknown.”

Yet, he rejected the burden of constant education, insisting that like straight people, gay individuals should not have to spend their lives teaching people about their existence.

Instead, “They must ask then if they don’t understand.”

In a final note, Mhlongo suggested that Mchunu might face consequences that extend beyond public opinion.

He noted that even Mchunu’s business base may be turning against him, stating, “They also are against the fact that he is now homophobic to his c—to their customers.

They are the biggest supporters of gay.” He concluded with the hope that, observing the backlash, Mchunu’s “thick skull” might realize “there’s no need to come for you.”

Somizi Mhlongo’s detailed and emotionally mature response serves as a masterclass in platform leverage, simultaneously demanding cultural respect, condemning incitement to violence, and urging the LGBTQ+ community to choose strategic, measured resilience over reflexive, destructive retaliation.

It is a powerful affirmation that in the fight for equality, respect is earned, but human rights are non-negotiable.