Minnie Dlamini, a well-known South African television presenter, has launched legal action against podcaster MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho and his co-host Sol Phenduka.
Minnie Dlamini takes legal action over podcast comments
She is suing them for R2.5 million in the Equality Court. This follows comments made on their show Podcast and Chill that Dlamini says were offensive and harmful to her dignity.
The lawsuit accuses the podcast hosts of hate speech, harassment, and gender-based discrimination. Dlamini has made it clear that she does not accept the public apology MacG issued in May 2025, stating that such issues must be dealt with through legal means.
During an episode of Podcast and Chill, MacG made a speculative comment about why Dlamini’s past relationships may have failed. He suggested, without proof, that it could be because of personal hygiene problems. His exact words were,:
“Why can’t she keep a man? There’s got to be something wrong with her, maybe her coochie smells or something.”
These comments led to widespread outrage, especially given South Africa’s ongoing struggles with gender-based violence. Many people, including government officials, viewed the remarks as degrading and inappropriate.
What Minnie Dlamini is demanding
Minnie Dlamini is asking the court to award her R1 million for the damage to her dignity. She is also requesting that R1.5 million be paid to a women’s rights organisation.
Dlamini has described the podcast’s treatment of her as part of a long-term pattern of harassment, which she says got worse after she publicly supported actress Amanda du-Pont in a separate abuse case.
Despite a public apology from MacG, which included an offer for Dlamini to appear on the podcast to “squash” the conflict, Dlamini has remained silent.
In the past, she has been outspoken about her disapproval of the podcast, once calling it “the most degrading piece of content” she had ever consumed.
The backlash extended beyond the public to national leadership. Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike condemned the podcast, calling MacG’s remarks a form of gender-based violence.
She referred the matter to human rights institutions and even suggested MacG be called before Parliament. Although this request was denied, it highlighted how seriously the issue was taken.
MacG later addressed the controversy on a new episode of his show. He apologised to women who were offended, claiming the comments were not meant to hurt anyone. Still, he also joked about the attention, saying:
“Is it even a podcast if you haven’t been summoned by Parliament?”
As of now, Minnie Dlamini has not accepted the invitation to appear on Podcast and Chill, and her legal action continues. The lawsuit is expected to be reviewed by the Equality Court, which deals with cases involving unfair discrimination and hate speech.
The outcome of the case may have broader implications for how public figures use digital platforms and the legal consequences of harmful or offensive speech.