Who is Ngizwe Mchunu? About the Anti-Immigrant Activist

Ngizwe Mchunu (born 5 December 1980) is a South African radio personality, cultural activist, traditional healer, and social commentator from Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal. He is best known for his long-running career at Ukhozi FM, where he became a prominent voice in the promotion of Zulu culture and Maskandi music.

Early Life

Ngizwenkosi Brian Mchunu was born on 5 December 1980 in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He grew up immersed in traditional Zulu customs and later became a practicing sangoma. His strong cultural identity would later shape both his broadcasting career and public activism. ^[1]

Biography: Ngizwe Mchunu

Real Name: Ngizwenkosi Brian Mchunu

Place of Birth: Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Date of Birth: 5 December 1980 (Age- 46)

Occupation: Radio Personality,Cultural activist, Traditional healer, Social commentator

Years Active: 2008 - present

Spouse(s): Sphelele Nxumalo, Lindi Khuzwayo, and Floda Graé

Children: 6

Nationality: South African

Career and Public Profile

Radio Broadcasting

Mchunu rose to national prominence through his work at Ukhozi FM, South Africa’s largest radio station. During his more than 10-year tenure, he hosted popular programmes such as Sgiya Ngengoma, earning a loyal audience among Maskandi music fans and traditional Zulu communities.

In 2018, the station dismissed him following allegations that he violated internal confidentiality policies by publicly discussing matters related to the broadcaster. ^[2]

Online Media and Social Platforms

After leaving Ukhozi FM, Mchunu launched an online station called Ngizwe Mchunu FM in 2019. Although the platform operated briefly, he later shifted his focus to social media, where he built a large following on Facebook and YouTube through cultural commentary, livestreams, and political discussions. ^[2]

Cultural Advocacy

Mchunu is widely known for promoting traditional Zulu customs and the Maskandi music genre. He refers to himself as the “President of the Bhincas,” a title linked to his advocacy for traditional Zulu identity and conservative cultural values.

Through public speeches, online broadcasts, and community engagements, he has consistently encouraged younger generations to preserve traditional practices and cultural pride. ^[3]

Political Involvement

Mchunu attracted wider political attention through his vocal support for former South African president Jacob Zuma.

During the July 2021 unrest in South Africa, he became one of the most controversial public figures connected to the events. Authorities arrested him on charges related to incitement to commit public violence after he made inflammatory public remarks during the period of unrest. However, he was later acquitted of the charges in 2023. ^[4]

Anti-Immigration Activism

In recent years, Ngizwe Mchunu has emerged as a leading figure in South Africa’s anti-immigration movement. Through his Amabhinca Nation cultural movement, he has organised marches and campaigns calling for stricter immigration enforcement and “South Africans First” policies.

He has led demonstrations in areas including the Durban CBD, Hillbrow, and Yeoville, arguing that South Africans should reclaim economic opportunities and urban spaces. His statements have often extended beyond undocumented migration, with Mchunu publicly calling for both legal and illegal immigrants to leave South Africa. ^[5]

These activities have generated strong reactions nationwide. Supporters describe him as a patriot defending local communities, while critics and human rights organisations have accused his movement of encouraging xenophobia, vigilantism, and hostility toward foreign nationals. ^[6]

2026 Arson Incident

On 10 May 2026, reports emerged that Mchunu’s rural home in Mbumbulu, south of Durban, had allegedly been set alight by unknown individuals. Community sources and activists linked the incident to tensions surrounding his recent anti-immigration activism, although investigations and official findings were still ongoing at the time.

Some people have accused Ngizwe of touching his own house to make himself a victim and maintain his relevance. However Ngizwe denies these allegations saying “No one can wake up and burn their own house”. ^[7]

Personal Life

Ngizwe Mchunu practices polygamy and has been publicly linked to several marriages, including relationships with Sphelele Nxumalo, Lindi Khuzwayo, and Floda Graé. He have fathered six children. He shares these children across his customary marriages. His personal life has frequently attracted public attention and media coverage. ^[7]

Legacy and Influence

Ngizwe Mchunu remains one of the most polarising public figures in contemporary South African cultural and political discourse. Supporters view him as a defender of Zulu tradition and local interests, while critics argue that his rhetoric has contributed to social division.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, he continues to hold significant influence through radio, online media, and grassroots cultural activism.