Award-winning community newspaper of the University of the Witwatersrand. Produced by the career-entry honours in Journalism class.
Wits Vuvuzela Produced by Wits Honours in Journalism students
- SLICE: MacG, Moja Love and the misogyny circusby Mbali Khumalo on April 30, 2025 at 11:27 am
When degrading women is the punchline, what does that reveal about the audience laughing along? “Minnie’s pretty bro. Why can’t she keep a man?” “Bro, I’m telling you man. There’s got to be something wrong with her. Maybe her coochie smells or something. You know this happens, bro, it happens, especially with the hot girls.” “Mac, what if she can’t cook?” That’s not an out-of-character quote or a harmless joke gone too far. It’s yet another example of the routine misogyny that fuels Podcast and Chill, the cult-like podcast and online show that’s been trading integrity for views since 2018. On April 24, Podcast and Chill co-hosts Macgyver Mukwevho “MacG” and Sol Phenduka once again crossed the line between edgy commentary and outright misogyny. While discussing media personality Minnie Dlamini’s recent breakup with businessman Brian Monaisa, the conversation quickly spiralled into provocative territory as the pair speculated on the reasons for their split. This is not new or surprising. This is exactly what a large amount of South African entertainment has become – a breeding ground for lazy, degrading speech against women dressed up as unfiltered commentary. The irony came fast and loud when, on April 28, Moja Love condemned MacG’s remarks. Yes, that Moja Love. The channel that built its brand on exploiting poor, vulnerable and black South Africans, suddenly wants to be the voice of reason. The same Moja Love that the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) fined in 2023 for airing scenes of domestic violence on Isencane Lengane without trigger warnings or adequate support for the abused being filmed. The same broadcaster that aired Uyajola 9/9, a show that turns toxic relationships into Sunday night entertainment. Spare us the moral high ground. Where are the gatekeepers? Unfazed, it seems. By carrying Moja Love and MacG’s content, broadcasters like DStv fail to uphold the principles of the BCCSA’s code of conduct. This code protects viewers from harmful content and ensures fair and balanced programming. It states that broadcasting licensees must “exercise exceptional care and consideration in matters involving the privacy, dignity and reputation of individuals.” The code goes on to expressly state that licensees “must not broadcast material which sanctions, promotes or glamorises violence or unlawful conduct based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, [or] gender.” Let’s be honest. Podcast and Chill isn’t the disease, it’s the symptom. The South African entertainment industry has fallen in love with controversy because outrage pays. Misogyny and vulgarity are now marketed as “being real.” The uglier the take, the better the numbers. Podcast and Chill is one of the most consumed shows in the country, with 1.57 million subscribers on YouTube. Moja Love still pulls audiences despite constant public backlash. So what does this say about us? Is our appetite for entertainment so bottomless that we’ll swallow anything, even casual violence or gender-based humiliation? We’re not just bystanders. We’re complicit. If the South African entertainment industry won’t change, then maybe the public should change the channel. Or at the very least, ask ourselves, “why are we still watching?” FEATURED IMAGE: Podcast and Chill co-hosts MacG and Sol Phenduka have ignited another sexism scandal, this time taking aim at actress Minnie Dlamini. Graphic: Mbali Khumalo RELATED ARTICLES: Wits Vuvuzela: Dissecting black masculinities and “becoming men” in South Africa, April 2025. Wits Vuvuzela: ‘Enough!’ says Women for Change, as they head to the Union Buildings, April 2025. Wits Vuvuzela: EDITORIAL: Democracy in disguise: Can we ever be free?, April 2025. The post SLICE: MacG, Moja Love and the misogyny circus first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- Revisiting a painful past at Constitution Hill by Likho Mbuka on April 30, 2025 at 11:25 am
The Constitution Hill opened its doors for free entry to commemorate Freedom Day. Exactly 31 years after the fall of apartheid, Constitution Hill opened its doors to South Africans, offering free tours to unite them through shared experiences that give meaning to South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The tours on April 27 allowed visitors to explore The post Revisiting a painful past at Constitution Hill first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- Dissecting black masculinities and “becoming men” in South Africaby Ekta Seebran on April 30, 2025 at 7:00 am
Wits postgraduate students tackle a conversation on black masculinities in South Africa, examining the impact of apartheid, absent fathers, and social pressures. For their first pick, the Division of Student Affairs’ Postgraduate Book Club, discussed Senior Psychology Professor, Dr. Malose Langa’s book, ‘Becoming Men: Black Masculinities in a South African Township.’ Langa’s work looks at The post Dissecting black masculinities and “becoming men” in South Africa first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- EDITORIAL: Democracy in disguise: Can we ever be free?by Lukholo Mazibuko on April 28, 2025 at 5:32 pm
Despite democracy, inequality remains deeply rooted in South Africa. Colonial-era systems and weak leadership keep many struggling, making true freedom feel like an illusion rather than reality. South Africans celebrated Freedom Day on April 27, marking 31 years of freedom, but a nation once propelled by the dreams of liberation, finds itself in a paradox The post EDITORIAL: Democracy in disguise: Can we ever be free? first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- EDITORIAL: A cry for help turned into tragedyby Abena Mahlahlane on April 20, 2025 at 7:00 am
A student was fatally shot during a protest at Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha campus. The tragedy unfolding at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is more than just a case of a violent protest. It is a symptom of a long-standing problem of neglect, unfulfilled commitments, disregarded voices, and the worsening conditions many students endure while pursuing The post EDITORIAL: A cry for help turned into tragedy first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- REVIEW: Big Zulu’s Icala Le Mpumelelo is an emotional rollercoasterby Dikeledi Ramabula on April 19, 2025 at 7:15 am
The multi-award-winning artist continues to prove that he has mastered the art of capturing his listeners’ emotions with his sound. Since debuting in 2018 with his album “USHUN WENKABI”, Big Zulu’s versatility has made him one of the most complete creators in South Africa’s music industry – and his latest offering is one worth listening The post REVIEW: Big Zulu’s Icala Le Mpumelelo is an emotional rollercoaster first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- Wits Sterkfontein Caves reopens to the public by Bonolo Mokonoto on April 19, 2025 at 7:10 am
Finally, the dolomite chambers reopen for public exploration after two years. On Tuesday, April 15, the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves reopened to the public after being closed in December 2022, due to flooding at the entrance of the caves. The UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the Cradle of Humankind now offers visitors the opportunity The post Wits Sterkfontein Caves reopens to the public first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- Wits Junction or Jungle? High fees, low standards say residentsby Lindelwa Khanyile on April 19, 2025 at 7:00 am
Wits Junction students speak out about worsening living conditions as maintenance problems pile up and frustrations reach a boiling point. Once viewed as Wits University’s flagship residence for postgraduate students, Wits Junction is now being criticised by its own residents as an overpriced and under-maintained living space. From unreliable WiFi and faulty biometric entry points The post Wits Junction or Jungle? High fees, low standards say residents first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.
- Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee call for boycott against Snow White by Ekta Seebran on April 18, 2025 at 5:11 pm
With the release of Marc Webbs’ Snow White, the Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee call for a boycott of the film starring former Israeli military officer, Gal Gadot. At the end of March 2025, the Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) took to Instagram and called on supporters to boycott director Marc Webbs’ film, Snow White, starring The post Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee call for boycott against Snow White first appeared on Wits Vuvuzela.