JOHANNESBURG — Hillbrow Radio 24-7 has publicly distanced itself from one of its presenters after a video circulated on social media allegedly showing him making remarks and using profane language while discussing Zimbabwe’s political situation.
In a statement, the Johannesburg-based community radio station said it was aware of a video involving presenter Khulekile Ngwale who is also known as the President of Bhinca Nation ka Mthwakazi, and stressed that the comments did not reflect the station’s editorial position.
“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that the views, opinions, and language expressed by the presenter in the video are entirely his own. They do not, in any way, shape, or form, represent the stance, values, or editorial policy of Hillbrow Radio,” the station said.
Hillbrow Radio further alleged that Ngwale had “sneaked in our studio” to record the video without authorisation, describing the remarks as “insulting” and “xenophobic.”
“The station does not condone xenophobic rhetoric, personal insults, or inflammatory language aimed at political figures or any group of people,” it said.
The broadcaster apologised for any offence caused by the video’s contents and said management was addressing the matter internally in accordance with its code of conduct and station policies.
The controversy stems from a TikTok video in which Ngwale launches into a profanity-filled attack on Zimbabwe’s political leadership while also directing derogatory comments at members of the Shona ethnic group.
In the video, he says he had participated in a march in Johannesburg before urging others to join demonstrations targeting Zimbabweans.
“I took this opportunity to address the nation. I was part of the march here in Johannesburg. I did say that we need to join these marches so we can beat up these Shona people. They are stupid… and they are the reason Zimbabwe is destroyed,” he told Africa Daily.
Ngwale goes on to accuse Zimbabwe’s governing ZANU-PF of manipulating the Constitution to prolong President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s stay in office.
“I am disappointed by ZANU-PF for protecting and sucking up to Mnangagwa. The soldiers and police of that country cannot protect their citizens. People are killed every day when they start fighting for their rights. You’re all going to die just like Mugabe. Even Mnangagwa will die,” he says.
The video contains repeated profanity and derogatory language directed at Zimbabwe’s political leadership and members of the Shona ethnic group.
Speaking to Africa Daily, Ngwale defended his comments, insisting they reflected his personal political opinions rather than those of Hillbrow Radio.
“This is my personal opinion and I’d repeat it again. There was no branding of the radio station. I am not going to apologise for my utterances and I don’t even think I put the radio station into disrepute,” he said.
Ngwale, who identified himself as a Zimbabwean who has lived in South Africa for the past five years, said the video was intended to express his frustration with Zimbabwe’s leadership.
“The purpose of the clip was to express my frustration about the current leadership. I am not going to stop because that’s how I feel,” he said.
Responding to criticism over his language, Ngwale denied that he had insulted anyone.
“I didn’t insult anyone. I merely used my language. Nguni languages do not have swear words, we put words as they are,” he said.
He also confirmed that Hillbrow Radio management had informed him that it wished to meet with him over the incident, although the meeting had not yet taken place.
“I am aware that management wants to meet with me and discuss this issue, but I’m not worried. I am not sure what the outcome of that meeting will be, but I am ready for anything. It’s really their choice,” said Ngwale.
Hillbrow Radio’s statement is notable because Ngwale had previously featured prominently on the station’s platforms.
Archived social media posts show the station promoting programmes hosted by him, including interviews and broadcasts identifying him as the President of Bhinca Nation ka Mthwakazi.
The latest statement therefore represents a clear effort by the broadcaster to distance itself from the controversy and protect its editorial independence.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over immigration and undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa.
While Hillbrow Radio has publicly condemned the remarks, its statement leaves several questions unanswered.
The broadcaster did not specify when the video was recorded, whether Ngwale remains a presenter at the station, whether he has been suspended or faces disciplinary action, or whether the matter has been referred to any broadcasting regulator.
The station also did not explain how someone could allegedly gain access to its studio and record material without authorisation.
Africa Daily has sought further comment from Hillbrow Radio regarding these issues and will update this story should a response be received.
