Latest news with #BroadcastingComplaintsCommissionofSouthAfrica
The South African
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
'We hang our heads in shame': Deputy Minister Steve Letsike slams MacG over Minnie Dlamini comments
Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has released a statement calling out Macgyver MacG' Mukwevho. MacG has made many headlines in the past few years with his podcast, Podcast and Chill with MacG. His controversial statements about Minnie put him in a difficult situation. 'Maybe her coochie smells or something,' MacG said. After Minnie Dlamini broke up with her ex-boyfriend Brain Monaisa, MacG made calls that divided South Africans. And it also left the Deputy Minister calling out MacG's statements to be investigated. Minnie Dlamini. Image via Instagram @minnidlamini The Deputy Minister, Letsike, gave several steps to address the issue. They started, 'Mr Mukwevho's utterances will be referred to the relevant Constitutional and statutory bodies for investigation, including but not limited to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), among others.' 'The matter on the regulation of online platforms such as podcasts and other streaming services, particularly in line with the censure guidelines of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and other relevant statutory bodies, will be escalated to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, specifically in so far as the online content perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes should be regulated.' they continued. She would take other steps, which you can read in the statement here. Indeed, this statement divided many South Africans, as some also called out the Deputy Minister. After blogger @Maphepha Ndaba shared the news on Instagram, many people shared their thoughts. @Dee_Mang 'Where was this organization when the country cried Justice for Cwecwe?😢😢 It helps to have political connections in SA. Not that I support what MacG said, but really! Minnie can afford legal fees to sue MacG. Anc Comdrades like wasting state resources.' @Modipadi Desiree Mashabela 'We demanded Justice for Cwecwe, and they said nothing; now ba drag Macg?? Wow, it must be nice being some people😢😢😢' @Favor Blessings Selepe 'Perhaps it will serve as a lesson to other narcissists to start respecting women👏' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
02-05-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Deputy minister Mmapaseka Letsike takes stand against 'online GBV'
Deputy minister in the Presidency for women, youth and persons with disabilities Mmapaseka Letsike says podcaster MacG's statements about media personality Minnie Dlamini were a violation of Dlamini's rights. Letsike said MacG, whose real name is Macgyver Mukwevho, speculated about the reasons for the break-up of Dlamini's past romantic relationships on his Podcast and Chill platform last month, implying her genital odour was to blame. 'These comments are disgusting and must be regarded as an unconstitutional violation of Dlamini's rights to freedom and security of the person, equality and human dignity as enshrined in the constitution,' she said. Letsike said she considered MacG's statements to constitute 'online gender-based violence' (GBV). 'What is alarming is MacG has a history of disparaging Dlamini and other women on the same platform.' Letsike criticised cultural history that allows shameful behaviour towards women such as an apartheid era statute that regarded black women as legal minors, commodifying women through lobola regulations and controlling women's mobility, sexuality, finances and labour, regardless of their standing in society as adults with autonomy and of sound mind. Government slams 'misinformation, racial hatred' around farm murders The government has strongly condemned deliberate acts of misinformation and promotion of racial hatred, especially on social media. Politics 1 day ago Letsike noted statements by the public and viewers of Podcast and Chill as well as the condemnation by Moja Love of MacG's disregard for women's rights and gender equality in his utterances. 'There is no room in our democracy for misogynistic and demeaning utterances that perpetuate patriarchal iterations of gender relations. We are encouraged that within the ranks of South African society we have people who are sober in mind to call out abhorrent tendencies that are a distraction from achieving gender equality.' Content creators should be accountable and responsible in pursuit of human dignity and ubuntu. 'Broadcasters must enforce strict standards that prohibit hate speech and personal attacks and regulators should consider whether measures are warranted to prevent the normalisation of GBV on the airwaves.' MacG's comments will be reported to the appropriate constitutional and legal bodies, such as the Commission for Gender Equality, the Human Rights Commission and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa so they can look into the matter, she said. The issue of harmful content on podcasts and streaming platforms will be raised with the minister of communications and digital technologies. The aim is to make sure content that spreads damaging gender stereotypes is properly regulated. Parliament's communications and digital technologies portfolio committee will be asked to look into strengthening the law so there is more accountability regarding harmful online content, especially content that puts women and vulnerable groups at risk. Letsike said MacG will be also referred to parliament's women, youth and persons with disabilities portfolio committee to summon him to appear before the committee and explain his statements. If he refuses to appear without a valid reason, legal steps could be taken against him, which may include a fine or jail time not exceeding 12 months, or both. Legal experts will be consulted to see if there's a basis to lay a charge of crimen injuria against him.
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Moja Love responds to viewer backlash over ‘Isencane Lengane', says show reflects real-life stories
Thando and Siyacela Dlamuka's reality show 'Isencane Lengane' on Moja Love has once again come under fire from viewers due to the abusive behaviour seen on the Moja Love show. Picture: Moja Love Channel Moja Love has come under fire from viewers because of its reality show 'Isencane Lengane'. IOL reached out to Moja Love for a response to the latest backlash from viewers regarding the reality show. The show follows the lives of Thando and Siyacela Dlamuka, who got married as teenagers in 2019. The channel confirmed they have received various complaints lodged with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and their legal department is addressing the complaints. 'It is important to mention that the show is a reality show that showcases real-life stories and embraces various cultural aspects of the lives of the main casts. The channel does not condone any acts of violence and/or intimidation,' said the channel. In a recent episode, an explosive argument erupts over Siyacela's decision to take on a second wife. The couple's discussion escalates and Siyacela is seen hurling insults at Thando and the family elders.
The South African
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Moja Love responds to Isencane Lengane's public outrage
Moja Love has broken its silence following public outcry and renewed calls to cancel its controversial reality show Isencane Lengane . The popular reality series, now in its seventh season, has long stirred debate, but its most recent episode, which aired on Sunday, has sparked a wave of anger and backlash over the alleged glorification of abuse. Isencane Lengane has followed Siyacela and Thando Dlamuka's troubled relationship since they married as teens. The outrage stems from a scene where Siyacela, hurled insults at his wife, Thando, over his decision to take a second wife. He also clashed with elders in the episode, further enraging viewers. Viewers have taken to social media to express their frustration, with many accusing the show of perpetuating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and emotional abuse for ratings. @womenforchange5 wrote: 'Abuse is not entertainment. Trauma is not a storyline. Moja Love must take immediate action to discontinue the TV show 'Isencane Lengane' due to its dangerous portrayal of abuse and toxic relationships.' @ManchiTumi wrote: 'What is this?? #Mojalove cancel this show. A lady is crying for help on national TV. We are sitting as SA just watching Mojalove cashing in on Abuse on national TV, let's Axe this show.' Over the years, Siyacela has admitted to both physical violence and infidelity, including a 2023 episode where he confessed to hitting Thando and breaking her phone. These incidents have left many questioning why the show is still on air. In response to The South African , over the public outrage, Moja Love said: 'We have received various complaints lodged with the BCCSA, and these are being attended to by our legal department. 'It is important to mention that the show is a reality show that showcases real-life stories and embraces various cultural aspects of the lives of the main cast. The channel does not condone any acts of violence and/or intimidation,' said the channel. This is not the first time the channel has faced criticism. In 2023, Moja Love was fined R50,000 by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA). This follows after it aired an episode that depicted domestic violence. However, the channel was later cleared on appeal. Despite repeated statements that it does not support abuse, many viewers continue to urge the channel to take greater responsibility for its content and message. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE SHOW'S CONTENT? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article, or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
News24
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Women For Change calls for Moja Love to cancel Isencane Lengane
When Thando and Siyacela first appeared on South African television, they were teenage newlyweds with little understanding of marriage's challenges. The show initially sparked public outcry, with viewers urging the young couple to prioritize their education rather than matrimony. Years later, what began as a controversial television program has evolved into something more disturbing. Their relationship, documented for audiences to see, has deteriorated significantly. What viewers now see is a marriage characterised by toxic interactions and what many describe as abusive behavior. Women for Change, an organisation dedicated to protecting women's rights and combating gender-based violence, has called for the cancellation of Moja Love's reality TV show "Isencane Lengane". Isencane Lengane follows the lives of young couple Thando and Siyacela as they navigate married life. The show has gained popularity for its depiction of traditional child marriage but has increasingly drawn criticism for showcasing what many view as toxic relationship dynamics. Viewers have witnessed numerous troubling incidents of what appears to be emotional and verbal abuse within the young couple's a strongly-worded statement, Women for Change condemned the program. "For far too long, South Africans have witnessed the devastating impact of gender-based violence and domestic abuse in their communities. Yet the reality TV show on DSTV's channel Moja Love 'Isencane Lengane' continues to exploit this reality for entertainment value, turning deeply troubling instances of emotional and verbal abuse into content for profit and clicks. This is not just irresponsible, it is dangerous." The organisation argues that broadcasting such content without appropriate intervention normalises abuse and sends a harmful message that such behavior is acceptable if it attracts viewers. Read more | My Story | 'Leave him and go where?' - Isencane Lengane's Thando on her marriage This isn't the first time the show has faced official scrutiny. In 2023, the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) fined Moja Love R50,000 for airing an episode that depicted domestic violence. While the channel was later cleared of charges of inciting violence and hatred, Women for Change believes the fine itself "speaks volumes about the harm caused" by the program. "In a country where women and children are raped, beaten, and killed every day, this kind of programming is not only tone-deaf, it is a betrayal of every victim and survivor," the statement continued. The organization is demanding that Moja Love "take immediate action to discontinue the TV show 'Isencane Lengane' due to its dangerous portrayal of abuse and toxic relationships." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Women For Change (@womenforchangesa)
