By Lungile Ntimba
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Letsike has called for action against podcaster Macgyver Mukwevho, who is accused of making offensive remarks about media personality Minnie Dlamini and other women in the past.
In a recent episode of Podcast and Chill, Mukwevho speculated over the reasons for Dlamini’s failed relationships, suggesting, in vulgar terms, that she might be unattractive to men due to her body odour.
He reportedly said “maybe her coochie smells or something”.
The deputy minister condemned the remarks as “reprehensible” and blatant form of online gender-based violence.
“This incident is not a harmless joke or casual banter – it is a harrowing demonstration of online gender-based violence,” said Letsike in a statement on Friday.
“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 these 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.
Mukwevho’s utterances would be referred to the relevant constitutional and statutory bodies for investigation including the Commission for Gender Equality, SA Human Rights Commission and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission.
The remarks will also be brought to the attention of the Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Committee with a request that Mukwevho be summoned to appear before it in line with Section 56 of the Constitution.
She said failure to comply could lead to criminal consequences under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliaments and Provincial Legislatures Act.
In addition, the deputy minister would consult with the SA Police Service to explore the possibility of laying a crimen injuria charge.
Letsike has also called for an urgent review of regulatory measures on digital platforms and has committed to engaging with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies to discuss legislative gaps that allowed harmful content to go unchecked online.
“These utterances perpetuate a toxic culture that demeans women and normalises misogyny and sexism,” Letsike said.
She reiterated that online platforms must not be allowed to become sanctuaries for misogyny and the abuse for women.
“We cannot allow such language to become the norm under the guise of frivolous entertainment. Every woman in South Africa deserves to have their dignity respected, particularly in public discourse,” she added.
The deputy minister also expressed solidarity with Dlamini and vowed to work with her to ensure coordinated support, while calling for broader government collaboration to enforce laws on harassment and hate speech.
Letsike has suggested that there must be a platform and mechanism that enables all victims of online gender-based violence to report violence incidents to ensure that no woman was targeted on what she described as unregulated online platforms.
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