Latest news with #MojaLove
The Star
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
MacG apologises to Minnie Dlamini after backlash over offensive comments
Masabata Mkwananzi | Published 1 hour ago Podcaster MacGyver 'MacG' Mukwevho's comments about Minnie Dlamini sparked accusations of misogyny and prompted widespread condemnation, leading to a public apology. Podcaster MacGyver 'MacG' Mukwevho has done an unexpected U-turn, publicly apologising to Minnie Dlamini after facing backlash for his offensive comments. The controversy began in one of the episodes of Podcast and Chill when MacG and co-host Sol Phenduka discussed Dlamini's breakup with her ex-partner, Dr Brian Monaisa. The conversation rapidly veered into controversial territory. "Why can't she keep a man? There's got to be something wrong with her — maybe her c**chie smells or something," MacG said during the discussion, adding: "It happens, man, especially with the hot girls." MacG's remarks quickly drew widespread backlash, with social media users, advocacy groups, TV channels like Moja Love, and even Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, condemning his behaviour and slamming him for using offensive language against women. Letsike cautioned that such remarks go beyond being merely offensive, stating they amount to a form of online gender-based violence, as defined in South Africa's National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. 'This incident is not a harmless joke or casual banter – it is a harrowing demonstration of online gender-based violence,' she said. The deputy minister voiced her disgust, describing MacG actions as part of a recurring pattern of misogynistic behaviour. She further revealed that multiple women have reportedly initiated legal proceedings against him. 'Women cannot be reduced to vulgar slurs and the objectification of the female body, as this is a damaging reinforcement of gender-based disrespect and consequently violence,' she said. Moja Love strongly condemned MacG's remarks, criticising his continued use of offensive language towards women. In a statement, the channel said, 'MacG's persistent use of derogatory language towards women, reducing them to vulgar slurs and objectifying their bodies is not just offensive, it is a damaging reinforcement of gender-based disrespect.' They added that such conduct has no place in society or the media, 'where voices should uplift, not degrade.' Women For Change also condemned MacG's comments about Minnie Dlamini, describing them as 'misogynistic and degrading.' The organisation expressed that his remarks were 'not only vile and dehumanising but also reflect the deeply rooted toxic masculinity that continues to endanger and humiliate women in South Africa.' Macg found himself in legal trouble before. In October 2024, he was hit with a R13 million lawsuit after spreading harmful rumours about amapiano artist Nkosazana Daughter. During a past broadcast, MacG insinuated that Nkosazana Daughter had an affair with musician Master KG and claimed that her child was fathered by him, not her then-partner, Sir Trill. MacG eventually apologised publicly after Nkosazana Daughter's family denied the claims, expressing regret for making assumptions based on a photo of the child. "We were wrong. She looks just like Sir Trill," he said in his apology. However, he also insisted that he had information from a 'credible source' claiming that Sir Trill was not financially supporting the child. In the podcast episode that aired on May 12, MacG issued an apology to all the women offended by his comments about Minnie Dlamini, saying it was never his intention to upset anyone. 'I want to apologise first and foremost to all the female chillers and just women in general in South Africa that I might have offended with that comment, that was not the intention. You know, we never say things to offend people.' He also invited Dlamini to join him on the show, saying she is 'more than welcome' to come on so they can 'squash it' once and for all. 'This thing started on the podcast, let's end it on the podcast. She said some things, I've said some things, let's squash it once and for all, bro,' said MacG. The Star
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Media bullies should not be shielded by popularity
The more offensive the content, the more it profits—and that must change. No platform should be above accountability. In the late '90s, the Jerry Springer Show surpassed the queen of talk shows, Oprah Winfrey, in the television viewer ratings. It left many shocked and in disbelief. Winfrey's show had for many years ruled in the ratings because it was deemed as a wholesome show based on promoting family values of respect, love, honesty and healing. It had just been surpassed by a show that depended on the shock value of violence, nudity, sex, prejudice and just plain crassness to attract viewers. Fast forward 20 years later and South African television and podcast space is experiencing the same thing. Podcaster MacGyver Mukwevho, popularly known as MacG by the over 1.5 million subscribers to his Podcast And Chill YouTube offering, is to be summonsed to appear before a parliamentary portfolio committee for vulgar and disrespectful utterances about celebrity television host Minnie Dlamini. Mukwevho's podcast has partnered with commercial industry entities, among which are the channel, Moja Love, in the MultiChoice stable. ALSO READ: MacG's commenting goes beyond the bounds of free speech The channel and MultiChoice were quick to distance themselves from the vile utterances but the question is, have they done enough? The reason he has been summonsed to appear in parliament is that Deputy Minister in the Presidency Mmapaseka Steve Letsike says they view his utterances to be unhelpful in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). She is not off the mark. But, as is always the case with our parliament's intervention in matters that affect ordinary citizens, this comes a little too late in the game, 1.5 million subscribers too late. Mukwevho has been riding the shock jock wave for years without consequences at all. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini breaks silence following controversial MacG comments The same tactics that the Jerry Springer Show used to gain viewer ratings have been adopted by broadcasters like Mukwevho and many programmes on the Moja Love channel that have commercialised the social lives of the poor and vulnerable, especially women and children, and somehow turned them into regular entertainment for the same audiences. There's been little recourse for those who feel violated by either the insulting content, or the invasion of cameras into their private spaces in the false guise of 'fixing the country'. The lame defence that supporters of broadcasters like Mukwevho and his ilk have is that those aggrieved by their utterances must 'report them to the nearest police station'. This is a joke because it is known that in South Africa, reporting anything hardly ever works. Even worse, they hide behind the astronomical costs that act as a barrier to private individuals suing a moneyed entity. But the question is why would a podcaster with over 1.5 million subscribers not care that they are considered vile and undesirable by portions of society? ALSO READ: MacG says his partnership with MultiChoice is 'a natural evolution' despite it being criticised as a lazy move by the broadcaster [VIDEO] The simple reason is the more viewers going to the platform to see what the fuss is all about, the more money they make from their commercial partners. It works the same way for traditional television channels. The more eyes they have glued to their screens, the more they attract advertisers and the more money they make. So, it pays to degrade women and vulnerable communities. Parliament should not back down because someone feels they are so powerful that they are 'uncancelable', so uncaring that they've left the podcast on to garner views while the dignity of another human being continues to be imperilled by the podcast in question. It is time that parliament went into spaces that have been left to fuel GBV unregulated because the broadcasters think freedom of speech allows them to bully other people.
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Parliament to summon MacG after comments about Minnie Dlamini
Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. Macgyver Mukwevho, popularly known as MacG is set to be summoned to appear before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for his comments about Minnie Dlamini. Should the Podcast and chill host fail to appear, he may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment. In the recent episode discussing Dlamini's relationship break-up, MacG made distasteful comments about her [Dlamini]'s private part. 'Bro, I'm telling you, man. There's got to be something wrong with her; maybe her coochie smells or something. You know this happens, man, it happens, especially with the hot girls,' said MacG. Letsike, said MacG's comments were nauseating in their vulgarity 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 of the Republic of South Africa. The deputy minister considers the comments to constitute online gender- based violence. According to the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF), this type of violence is 'any act of gender-based violence against a woman that is committed, assisted or aggravated in part or fully by the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as mobile phones and smartphones, the internet, social media platforms or email, against a woman because she is a woman, or affects women disproportionately'. ALSO READ: Minnie Dlamini breaks silence following controversial MacG comments 'There is no room in our democratic Republic for any misogynistic and demeaning utterances that perpetuate patriarchal iterations of gender relations. 'We are encouraged that within the ranks of South African society, we have persons who are sober in mind to call out abhorrent tendencies that are a distraction from achieving gender equality,' she added. Letsike note and appreciate the stance Moja Love channel took regarding MacG's comments. However, they call on the channel to act swiftly to ensure consequences for the utterances they have publicly castigated. 'The chronic trend will cease only as there are tangible ramifications on the hosts of the podcast, and all other content aired by the Moja Love channel that perpetuates GBVF, whether sexual, physical, financial, emotional and/or online.' Actions to be taken Letsike said MacG's comments 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 MacG will be referred to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to summon Mr Mukwevho to appear before the committee and account in line with Section 56 of the Constitution. 'Should Mr Mukwevho fail without sufficient cause to appear before the committee, processes to implement section 17 (1)(c)(ii) of the Act must be engaged and Mr Mukwevho may be liable to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months or to both the fine and imprisonment.' ALSO READ: 'Disgusting!' – Nkosazana Daughter slams MacG's claim about Master KG relationship Criminal case The deputy minister also explained that legal counsel on a possible criminal case of crimen injuria with the South African Police Service (Saps) will be explored, and as it may be legally plausible. 'As the Deputy Minister responsible for Women, a long-time advocate for gender equality, and a woman myself, I find Mr Mukwevho's comments reprehensible. This incident is not a harmless joke or casual banter – it is a harrowing demonstration of online gender-based violence. 'Women cannot be reduced to vulgar slurs and the objectification of the female body as this is a damaging reinforcement of gender- based disrespect and consequently violence.' NOW READ: MacG says his partnership with MultiChoice is 'a natural evolution' despite it being criticised as a lazy move by the broadcaster [VIDEO]
The South African
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Moja Love condemns MacG's remarks about Minnie Dlamini
Moja Love television channel (DSTV 157) has strongly criticised controversial podcaster Macgyver 'Macg' Mukwevho's for offensive remarks made about women on a recent episode of his podcast show, Podcast and Chill, despite having no apparent affiliation with him or his podcast. The remarks targeted media personality Minnie Dlamini. In a recent episode aired on Friday, 25 April 2025, MacG commented on Dlamini's recent breakup from Dr Brian Monaisa. During the back-and-forth conversation, MacG questioned Dlamini's ability to maintain a relationship. He commented, 'Bro, I'm telling you, man. There's got to be something wrong with her; maybe her coochie smells or something. You know this happens, man; it happens, especially with the hot girls.' The derogatory remarks have sparked an outrage on social media. As a result, many users demanding the podcast be shut down. In an official statement by Moja Love, the platform stated that it is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. Additionally, they refuse to stay silent. Spokesperson and Media Liaison of MOJA TV Channels (Pty) Ltd, Nonzwakazi Cekete said, 'In addition to being offensive, MacG's constant objectification of women's bodies and reduction to vulgar slurs is a harmful reinforcement of gender-based disrespect. Moreover, Cekete further stated that such behaviour has no place in society and media specifically, where voices should uplift, not degrade. Not only does misogyny harm the individuals that it targets, but it also feeds a poisonous culture that normalises the dehumanisation of women. This follows viewers expressing their frustration on one of Moja Love's popular reality shows, 'Isencane Lengane', with many claiming that the show encourages emotional abuse and gender-based violence (GBV) to boost ratings. Although the popular reality show, currently in its seventh season, has long stirred controversy, the alleged glorification of abuse in its most recent episode, which aired on Sunday, 20 April 2025, has caused a surge of anger and backlash. The outrage stems from a scene in which Siyacela insults his wife, Thando, and clashes with elders, further enraging viewers. In response to the backlash, the channel stated in an official statement, '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.' Moja Love has affirmed that the media is designed to shape societal norms, and with that comes responsibility. Further, 'To MacG and others who use their platforms carelessly: accountability is not optional. We urge audiences and broadcasters alike to reject sexist vitriol and demand better. Respect isn't a privilege, it's a right.' While Moja Love has spoken out, Podcast and Chill's stance remains unclear, with no official statement or complaint reported. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Moja Love condemns MacG's comments, but viewers cry hypocrisy
Moja Love's most recent statement has sparked backlash on social media, with many accusing the channel of hypocrisy. Image: Supplied/Moja Love Local entertainment channel Moja Love has released a statement condemning controversial podcaster Macgyver "MacG" Mukwevho for remarks made on a recent episode of his show "Podcast and Chill" where he commented on media personality Minnie Dlamini's split from plastic surgeon Dr Brian Monaisa. The channel's spokesperson, Nonzwakazi Cekete, slammed MacG's language, describing it as degrading and harmful. "MacG's persistent use of derogatory language towards women, reducing them to vulgar slurs and objectifying their bodies, is not just offensive; it is a damaging reinforcement of gender-based disrespect. Such behaviour has no place in society, and especially not in the media, where voices should uplift, not degrade," said Cekete. Press Release: Moja Love Condemns MacG's Derogatory Remarks About Women. — Moja Love Channel 157 (@MojaLoveTv) April 28, 2025 However, the statement sparked backlash on social media, with many accusing Moja Love of hypocrisy. Critics pointed to ongoing concerns about the channel's content, especially its reality show "Isencane Lengane", where Siyacela has been shown threatening and emotionally abusing his wife Thando, on national television. Just a week prior, Moja Love defended the show by saying it reflects 'real South African stories'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Social media users weren't buying the distinction. "@visse_ss" wrote: 'Moja Love trying to lecture anyone about 'respect' is the biggest joke. This is the same Moja Love that thrives on exploiting black pain, broken families, toxic drama, and public humiliation for views.' The post continued: 'There's nothing credible about Moja Love. It's poverty porn wrapped in fake moral outrage. You can't sell dysfunction every day, glorify chaos with shows like "Uyajola 9/9" and "Rea Tsotella", and then act brand new because MacG said something uncomfortable. "You don't care about women, you care about optics. Your entire channel survives by exploiting misery, betrayal, and street gossip.' Moja Love trying to lecture anyone about "respect" is the biggest joke. This is the same Moja Love that thrives on exploiting black pain, broken families, toxic drama, and public humiliation for views. There's nothing credible about Moja Love, it's poverty porn wrapped in fake… — Ntokozo Masuku (@visse_ss) April 28, 2025 Despite the outcry, Cekete doubled down on Moja Love's position, emphasising the responsibility of media platforms to foster respectful discourse. "To MacG and others who use their platforms carelessly: accountability is not optional. We urge audiences and broadcasters alike to reject sexist vitriol and demand better. Respect isn't a privilege; it's a right," she said. Still, the channel's credibility remains under scrutiny as viewers question how its condemnation of misogyny aligns with its programming choices. IOL Entertainment Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
