SEDIBENG.- “When ignorance manifests itself in the form of bigotry, it must be met with the attention, repudiation, and legal consequence it duly deserves.”

This warning was issued by the Nhlapo and Jodwana families following the recent traditional wedding of a same sex couple, Seun Nhlapo and Crosby Jodwana, held in Unitaspark, Vereeniging, a week ago.

The wedding, a traditional ceremony, received homophobic responses, including allegedly from the well-known traditionalist and former Ukhozi FM DJ, Ngizwe Mchunu.

The families said that they have observed, with grave dismay, the vile and homophobic utterances attributed to “a certain Mr. Mchunu”, currently in circulation following the matrimonial ceremony of their beloved children.

Furthermore, the families said that such utterances are not only deplorable but constitute a direct insult to the dignity, equality, and freedoms enshrined in the supreme law of this country.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, unequivocally guarantees the right to equality before the law and the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms, irrespective of sexual orientation. Moreover, the Civil Union Act, 2006 (Act No. 17 of 2006), affirms the legal recognition of same-sex marriages, conferring upon them the same status, rights, and consequences as marriages contracted between heterosexual partners.”

It is said that the couple, presently away on their honeymoon, remains personally unshaken by such “odious” commentary.

“The couple is engaging their legal counsel and relevant human rights institutions to ensure that due process is followed and accountability is taken,” said Lebohang Nhlapo on behalf of the two families.

The families extended their sincere gratitude to “countless voices of support who continue to stand steadfast in celebrating this courageous and publicly declared love story.”

Meanwhile earlier last week, Mchunu is said to have blamed South Africa’s problems on gay men and urged others to discriminate against queer people. He is also said to have told popular queer media personality, Somizi Mhlongo, to leave the country, along with what he allegedly called his ‘nation’.

His comments were allegedly sparked by images and videos of the recent traditional wedding of Nhlapo and Jodwana.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities also condemned what it termed the hateful remarks allegedly made against the LGBTQIA+ community by Mchunu. Deputy Minister, Steve Letsike, warned that the remarks are not only deeply offensive but also undermine the hard-won constitutional freedoms that guarantee dignity, equality, and non-discrimination for all people in the country.

“South Africa’s democracy is anchored in the values of equality, human dignity, and freedom. Attacks on queer persons are attacks on the very heart of our constitutional promise,” Letsike said in a statement.

Letsike stressed that the South African Constitution is an intersectional document, born at the intersection of race, gender, class and culture.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) issued a statement that said that it is also aware, and has received complaints from aggrieved members of the public and civil society organisations regarding Mchunu’s homophobic utterances against the LGBTQI community.

The SAHRC said that it will assess the complaints in line with its handling procedure, and will communicate the outcome in due course.

Mchunu could not be reached at the time of going to print.