• Shaka iLembe actor Nkosikhona Phakal’umthakathi Ndabandaba says Ngizwe Mchunu used his cultural education idea to launch homophobic attacks online.

• Ndabandaba says his campaign teaches the meaning of traditional regalia and includes the queer community, chiefs and traditional leaders.

Actor Nkosikhona Phakal’umthakathi Ndabandaba says media personality Ngizwe Mchunu took his idea about traditional regalia and used it to attack queer people.

Ndabandaba, who stars in Shaka iLembe, said he started an educational campaign after seeing Simon Sean Nhlapo and Crosby Jodwana wearing traditional attire. He wanted to teach people, including the queer community, about the spiritual meaning behind these clothes — not to shame anyone.

He said traditional items like leopard skin are sacred and meant for chiefs, not for fashion or trends.

According to Ndabandaba, he shared his idea with Mchunu, who seemed to support it at first. But soon after, Mchunu went online and used the same topic to insult Nhlapo and Jodwana.

In a viral social media rant, Mchunu criticised same-sex couples for wearing Zulu regalia and called them “dogs who deserve jail time.”

Ndabandaba said he was deeply hurt by Mchunu’s actions. “It was meant to bring understanding and unity,” he said. “Instead, he used it to divide and humiliate people.”

He said he has chosen not to confront Mchunu directly, believing the damage is already done and that Mchunu is benefiting from the controversy.

Ndabandaba said he will keep working on his campaign “in a dignified and controlled way.” He is now working with female maskandi artists and plans to involve the queer community, traditional leaders and government departments like CoGTA and Social Development to open dialogue on respecting traditional regalia.

Pictured above: Ngizwe Mchunu.

Image source: @NgizweMchunu