NGIZWE Mchunu might see himself hauled before the Equality Court.
This is if the former Ukhozi FM presenter continues to defy the order by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), which requires him to apologise for homophobic remarks he made against a gay couple.
Ngizwe made comments on social media regarding a same-sex customary marriage, where the gay couple wore traditional Zulu regalia during their wedding at Kwa Mai-Mai in Joburg recently.
His remarks, which focused specifically on gay men, drew immediate and widespread condemnation from LGBTQIA+ organisations and human rights bodies.
The SAHRC has formally ordered Ngizwe to issue an apology for the "nasty comments". However, he has since refused to do so.
Thiruna Naidoo, spokeswoman for Outright International, said the commission can pursue Equality Court proceedings, which will either be a civil court case which will either look at a fine or series of other remedies to attempt to address the situation of him discriminating against the gay men.
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Adding its voice to the condemnation, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) released a statement expressing "deep concern and regret" over Ngizwe's discriminatory utterances.
The CGE, a Chapter 9 institution mandated to promote and protect gender equality, strongly condemned the remarks as a "grave violation of human rights and an incitement of violence against a marginalised community".
The CGE emphasised that cultural identity is not for Ngizwe to police. "It's not for Mchunu or any individual to determine the cultural belonging of queer people," they said.
The organisation urged that this incident should instead "serve as a moment for national reflection and dialogue, to reaffirm our shared humanity and the rich diversity that defines South Africa".
People who have gender-related complaints, including complaints against Ngizwe, should contact gender-enquiries@cge.org.za or WhatsApp number 083 284 2567.
