Former Ukhozi FM Presenter Ngizwe Mchunu
In a shocking street confrontation that has gone viral, former Ukhozi FM radio host Ngizwe Mchunu took matters into his own hands on 17 October 2025, striking a young man with a belt in a rural KwaZulu-Natal area. Mchunu stepped in after spotting the man talking to a girl in school uniform, claiming his actions were meant to stop the exploitation of minors.
The incident, caught on video and shared widely on X, has split opinions online, with some hailing it as a bold stand against teen pregnancy, while others slam it as illegal assault. This comes amid South Africa’s ongoing battle with high teen pregnancy rates, where more than 2,700 girls under 18 have given birth in recent months, highlighting deep-rooted social issues.
The video shows Mchunu approaching the pair, questioning the young man, and then using a belt to hit him several times while shouting warnings about respecting young girls. The clip, posted by users like MDN NEWS on X, has racked up thousands of views and comments, fueling heated debates on community vigilance versus overstepping boundaries. Supporters argue it’s a necessary wake-up call in a country grappling with child exploitation, but critics point out that such vigilante moves could lead to violence without due process.
The Incident: A Rural Street Clash Over Minor Protection
The event unfolded on a quiet rural road in KwaZulu-Natal, where Mchunu, known for his strong views on cultural and social matters, spotted the young man chatting with the schoolgirl. Believing the interaction could lead to exploitation, he confronted them directly. In the footage, Mchunu is heard saying the girl is too young and that older men should stay away from schoolchildren. He then pulls out a belt and strikes the man, who appears stunned and tries to back away without fighting back.
Eyewitnesses in the video can be seen watching from afar, with some nodding in approval, reflecting a community mindset where elders often step in to enforce norms. The girl, dressed in her school uniform, looks on in surprise but is not harmed. Mchunu later defended his actions in follow-up posts, stating he aimed to prevent situations that contribute to teen pregnancies and dropouts. This kind of hands-on approach is not new in rural areas, where traditional values clash with modern rights, but it raises questions about where discipline ends and abuse begin
Viral Backlash and Praise: Online Reactions Pour In
The video exploded on social media, especially on X, where it was shared by accounts highlighting the “sensible” side of Mchunu’s intervention. One post called it “probably the most sensible thing he’s ever done in his entire life,” echoing support from those tired of seeing young girls targeted. Others praised it as protective community action, linking it to the need for men to hold each other accountable in fighting gender-based issues.
However, not everyone agrees. Critics label it unlawful assault, arguing that physical punishment has no place in resolving such matters. Comments like those questioning if the girl is truly a child until proven otherwise highlight the grey areas, with some saying, “She is a child until an old man from that church, is…” Legal experts online warn that Mchunu could face charges for assault, as South African law protects against corporal punishment outside parental roles. The mixed reactions show a society divided on how to tackle exploitation—through education and law, or immediate, forceful steps.
Teen Pregnancy Crisis: A National Emergency Fueling the Debate
This incident shines a light on South Africa’s alarming teen pregnancy rates, which have experts sounding alarms. In the past financial year, more than 122,000 teenagers gave birth, including 2,716 girls aged 10 to 14 and 119,587 aged 15 to 19. These numbers reveal a crisis where nearly 365 teenage girls give birth every day, with 10 of those to moms younger than 15. In 2024 alone, over 90,000 pregnancies were recorded among girls aged 10 to 19, with 2,328 in the 10 to 14 bracket.
Regions like eThekwini in Durban reported 7,627 teen pregnancies from April 2024 to April 2025, prompting health officials to call for urgent interventions. KwaZulu-Natal, where the incident happened, is among the hardest hit, with factors like poverty, lack of sex education, and cultural pressures playing a role. Nationally, 8% of young women aged 15 to 24 were pregnant in the year before the 2022 General Household Survey, affecting over 400,000 lives. Even new year births in 2025 showed over 80 teen mothers, down from 190 the previous year, but still a worrying sign.
These stats explain why some back Mchunu’s actions—they see it as a desperate bid to curb exploitation that leads to early motherhood, school dropouts, and cycles of poverty. Yet, reports from bodies like the Commission for Gender Equality stress the need for supportive policies over violence, noting how teen pregnancies rob girls of their futures.
Who is Ngizwe Mchunu? A Controversial Figure in the Spotlight
Ngizwe Mchunu, born in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, rose to fame as a popular radio personality on Ukhozi FM, where his energetic style and cultural pride won him fans. As a sangoma (traditional healer), he often weaves Zulu traditions into his public persona, positioning himself as a defender of African values. However, his career has been marred by controversies, leading to his dismissal from the station.
Mchunu has faced backlash for anti-LGBTQ+ remarks, including a recent homophobic rant where he used derogatory language and tribal rhetoric against queer individuals. He attacked the community over traditional Zulu dress, sparking nationwide division and drawing fire from the Human Rights Commission. Refusing to apologise, he now faces the Equality Court, with the Commission for Gender Equality slamming his comments as harmful. In one incident, he was chased from a Johannesburg market while trying to confront gay people.
His firing from Ukhozi FM hit hard, costing him millions and affecting his mental health, as he shared on shows like Unfollowed. Mchunu blames his “bad-boy image” for lost opportunities, but he remains vocal on social issues, often courting controversy. This latest event fits his pattern of direct, sometimes aggressive, advocacy for what he sees as moral standards.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube