SOUTH AFRICAN INDEX
THE PEOPLE SHAPING SOUTH AFRICA
Menu
Media · Living

Ngizwe Mchunu

Broadcaster and public activist

By South African Index Editorial Desk · Published · Last reviewed

Ngizwe Mchunu in traditional attire at the Ingonyama Trust indaba disruption.
Ngizwe Mchunu at the Durban ICC on 30 September 2026.: Source unknown · Source. Resized and converted to WebP for this site.

Ngizwe Mchunu developed a public following through radio before moving into online broadcasting and activism. His career connects the isiZulu media audience with public debates about cultural identity and political leadership. [1][2]

Radio career and Ukhozi FM

Mchunu worked as a presenter at Ukhozi FM, the SABC’s isiZulu radio station. He became widely recognised through that broadcasting career. The Star’s account of his 2024 Unfollowed appearance describes his dismissal in 2018 amid allegations that he disclosed confidential information. [2]

After leaving the station, Mchunu established Ngizwe Mchunu FM as an online radio venture. Drum reported its launch in September 2019. The venture placed his own name at the centre of a broadcasting platform beyond the public broadcaster. [1]

Public identity and cultural commentary

In Unfollowed, Mchunu discussed his pride in Zulu identity and his description of himself as a leader of amaBhinca. That self-description does not establish a statutory office. [2]

July 2021 unrest case and acquittal

Mchunu faced charges following statements during the July 2021 unrest, which followed former president Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment. On 3 November 2023, the Randburg Magistrate’s Court acquitted him of all charges in that case. The Citizen reported that the State failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. [3]

The court outcome was an acquittal. The charges do not establish that Mchunu organised the unrest. [3]

Association with March & March

Mchunu appeared in anti-immigration mobilisation alongside Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba during 2026. Investigative reporting documented those connections. Participation alongside the movement should be distinguished from a verified appointment to a formal office. [5]

In July 2026, March & March announced that it suspended its working relationship with Mchunu pending further investigations. Cape Times reported his response on 28 July. He said the campaign could not continue marching indefinitely. This record describes a dated association, rather than naming him as a current movement leader. [4]

The Ingonyama Trust indaba

On 30 September 2026, SAI recorded Mchunu among those involved when amabutho interrupted the investment indaba at the Durban ICC. SAI’s report includes photographs and video. Mchunu and Phakelumthakathi later apologised to the traditional leaders present. The event belongs in his public chronology alongside his broadcasting career. [6]

Key contributions

Mchunu’s documented work includes isiZulu radio presentation and the creation of an online radio venture bearing his name. His subsequent public activity extends beyond broadcasting into cultural commentary and protest mobilisation. [1][5]

Life and career timeline

  1. Left Ukhozi FM following his dismissal. [2]

  2. Launched the Ngizwe Mchunu FM online radio venture. [1]

  3. Acquitted in the July 2021 unrest case. [3]

  4. March & March suspended its working relationship with him. [4]

  5. Appeared in SAI’s record of the Durban ICC indaba disruption and subsequent apology. [6]

Frequently asked questions

What is Ngizwe Mchunu known for?

He is known for his Ukhozi FM broadcasting career, online radio venture and later public activism. [1][2]

Was Ngizwe Mchunu convicted in the July unrest case?

No. The Randburg Magistrate’s Court acquitted him of all charges in that case on 3 November 2023. [3]

Is Ngizwe Mchunu a current leader of March & March?

March & March announced the suspension of its working relationship with him in July 2026. His earlier association does not establish a current leadership position. [4]

Related people

  • Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba — Phakelumthakathi, publicly known as Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, is a South African actor, amabutho leader and activist associated with Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma — Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma is a South African radio personality and founder of March & March, a civic movement campaigning on immigration enforcement and citizen access to services.
  • King Misuzulu kaZwelithini — King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is the recognised King of the AmaZulu and the sole trustee of the Ingonyama Trust.

Related institutions and movements

  • March & March — March & March is a South African civic movement known for demonstrations demanding stronger immigration enforcement and the prioritisation of citizens in employment and services.

Related research

Sources

  1. News24 / Drum, Former Ukhozi FM presenter Ngizwe Mchunu launches radio station, 2019-09-12. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
  2. The Star, Ngizwe Mchunu reflects on his tumultuous journey in Unfollowed episode, 2024-12-12. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
  3. The Citizen, Ngizwe Mchunu found not guilty of inciting public violence during 2021 July unrest, 2023-11-03. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
  4. Cape Times / IOL, Ngizwe Mchunu responds after March and March suspends its working relationship, 2026-07-28. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
  5. amaBhungane, Analysis: March and March and the shadow of 2021, 2026-06-28. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩
  6. South African Index, Zulu regiments disrupt the Ingonyama Trust indaba: SAI reporting and visual record, 2026-09-30. Original source. Accessed 2026-10-02. ↩