Podcaster MacG Expresses Willingness to Undergo Gender Sensitisation Training Amid Minnie Dlamini Hate Speech Case
In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between popular podcaster MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho and media personality Minnie Dlamini, MacG has stated his readiness to participate in gender sensitisation sessions. This comes as part of his formal response to Dlamini’s hate speech and discrimination complaint filed at the Johannesburg Equality Court.
The case, which stems from derogatory remarks made on MacG’s Podcast and Chill in April 2025, highlights growing concerns about misogyny in South African media and the need for accountability in public discourse. As the matter progresses, MacG’s offer could pave the way for mediation, though social media users remain divided on whether it reflects genuine remorse or a strategic move.
The controversy has reignited discussions on gender-based violence (GBV) and online harassment, especially during the 16 Days of Activism campaign in November 2025. With South Africa grappling with high rates of femicide and verbal abuse against women, this high-profile case underscores the role of influencers in shaping societal attitudes. MacG, known for his unfiltered style on one of the country’s top podcasts, faces scrutiny that could set a precedent for handling similar complaints in the entertainment industry.
The Incident That Sparked the Outrage
The saga began on 24 April 2025, during an episode of Podcast and Chill with MacG, co-hosted by Sol Phenduka. While discussing Minnie Dlamini’s recent breakup with cosmetic surgeon Dr Brian Monaisa, MacG made disparaging comments about her personal life and past relationships. He suggested that Dlamini had pursued partnerships for financial gain, using phrases like “she just wanted to secure the bag” and implying she had been “smashed” in a demeaning manner. These remarks were seen as slut-shaming and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about women.
The comments quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from women’s rights groups, celebrities, and the public. Dlamini, a well-known TV presenter and actress, publicly rejected MacG’s initial apology, calling his words “vile, degrading, and utterly unacceptable.” The incident was even raised in Parliament during a May 2025 meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, where Deputy Minister Steve Letsike highlighted it as an example of online misogyny contributing to GBV.
Opinion pieces and social media debates followed, with many labelling MacG a “misogynistic creep” whose platform normalises verbal abuse. YouTuber Slik Talk speculated that Dlamini’s lawsuit was motivated by more than just defamation, suggesting underlying personal or financial pressures, though this drew backlash from her supporters.
Minnie Dlamini’s Legal Action at the Equality Court
In August 2025, Minnie Dlamini escalated the matter by filing a complaint at the Equality Court, accusing MacG and Phenduka of hate speech and discrimination based on gender. She sought several remedies to address the harm caused and promote broader change:
- A court-approved public apology from both hosts to her and women in general.
- A R1.5 million donation from MacG to the Women for Change organisation, a charity supporting GBV survivors.
- 50 hours of gender sensitisation training for each respondent, administered by the Commission for Gender Equality or a similar body, to be completed within six months.
Dlamini argued that the comments not only damaged her reputation but also reinforced patriarchal attitudes that endanger women. “When women and children are safe, we will know that the nation will be relieved from the cross of this pandemic,” echoed sentiments from Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane during the National Day of Prayer, aligning with calls for eradicating GBV.
The Equality Court, which handles cases of unfair discrimination under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, is set to deliver judgment soon. If ruled in Dlamini’s favour, the case could compel media figures to undergo mandatory training, similar to interventions in other high-profile disputes.
MacG’s Formal Response and Offer for Mediation
MacG submitted his affidavit in October 2025, acknowledging that his podcast sometimes errs and expressing regret for the remarks. He described the comments as “speculations” rather than facts and offered to revise his apology to Dlamini’s satisfaction. “I submit that should she not be satisfied with the apology, I am willing to rectify the apology and to mediate the current dispute,” he stated.
Regarding the gender sensitisation training, MacG confirmed his openness to participating, subject to court conditions. However, he contested the R1.5 million demand, arguing it was inappropriate for the Equality Court and better suited to a civil defamation suit. “I note the allegations made by Dlamini and submit that, should she be of the view that the episode is defamatory in nature, she can still approach the civil court for an appropriate remedy,” he added.
MacG also proposed mediation as a path to resolution, emphasising his commitment to making amends. Co-host Sol Phenduka has been mentioned in reactions, with some users urging him to confirm MacG’s stance on the podcast. The response has been framed as a step towards accountability, though critics question its sincerity.
Social Media Reactions: Scepticism and Support
The news of MacG’s willingness to undergo training has elicited mixed responses online. Many view it positively as a potential learning opportunity, aligning with national efforts during the 16 Days of Activism against GBV. However, sceptics dismiss it as a “PR move” to mitigate legal consequences. One user commented, “MacG’s sudden openness to ‘sensitisation’ isn’t an epiphany, it’s PR. The man’s record speaks for itself; unrepentant sexism dressed up as content.”
Others expressed amusement or doubt: “For the sake of the podcast,” laughed one, while another asked, “Will he go there after paying?” Calls for confirmation from Sol Phenduka surfaced, with users tagging him to discuss it on air. Broader discussions linked the case to systemic issues, with one post noting, “This battle belongs to God Almighty, but let us pray for the healing of the nation from such divisions.”
The reactions underscore South Africa’s ongoing struggle with misogyny, where public figures’ words can perpetuate harm. Women’s advocacy groups like Women for Change have welcomed the potential for training, seeing it as a tool to foster respect and equality.
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