Popular South African content creator Lasizwe Dambuza has ignited a social media firestorm after revealing Ugandan journalist Simon Kaggwa Njala as a guest on his viral series Awkward Date.
The announcement, shared Tuesday through Lasizwe’s African Channel Network Instagram, immediately drew sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates worldwide.
Reasons Behind The LGBTQ+ Backlash Against Lasizwe
Njala gained notoriety in 2019 during a televised interview where he confronted a Ugandan man with the inflammatory question:
“Why are you gay?”
This exchange occurred in a country where LGBTQ+ individuals routinely face violent persecution, forced displacement, and systemic discrimination.
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LGBTQ+ Community Reacts To Lasizwe Inviting Simon Kaggwa Njala
South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community has expressed profound disappointment with Lasizwe’s decision. Many view the platform given to Njala as contradictory to the media personality’s established role as a queer rights advocate.
“How can someone who benefits from South Africa’s relative LGBTQ+ safety platform a figure associated with oppression?” questioned one X user. “This isn’t entertainment – it’s endangerment.”
Other critics highlighted the apparent hypocrisy, noting Lasizwe’s previous activism work, including Pride Month participation and calls for queer-inclusive education reforms.
This isn’t Lasizwe’s first encounter with controversy. The YouTuber previously faced homophobic attacks in 2020 after advocating for Zimbabwean immigrants and LGBTQ+ educational initiatives. However, many argue this latest incident represents a more serious misstep, potentially legitimising anti-queer rhetoric.
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Lasizwe Clarifies On Airing Of The Controversial Episode
The backlash raises critical questions about the responsibilities of content creators when featuring controversial figures. As of publication, Lasizwe hasn’t publicly addressed the criticism, though Sunday World reports the episode will air as scheduled this Thursday.
This situation underscores the delicate balance between provocative entertainment and social responsibility, particularly when dealing with marginalized communities’ lived experiences.
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The post Lasizwe Faces LGBTQ+ Backlash After Inviting Simon Kaggwa Njala To His Show appeared first on iHarare News.
