Highway Twerk Sparks Outrage: Penny Ntuli Responds to Viral Backlash

by Zaghrah Anthony

A video of Jozi FM radio personality Penny Ntuli twerking on the side of a busy freeway has ignited fierce debate across South African social media. The clip, which she shared on Facebook, showed Ntuli dancing with a friend holding a bottle of alcohol as trucks and cars sped past.

The post captioned:
“In whatever happens empilwen (in life), please remember you’re still young, stop worrying about everything 🌸✨🚀”

While some praised her carefree attitude, the majority reaction was critical, highlighting the safety risks and legality issues. Within hours, the video made its way onto platforms like X, sparking a wave of commentary and concern.

RTMC Weighs In: Safety Over Social Media

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) quickly issued a statement condemning the act. They reminded the public that pedestrians are prohibited from walking or stopping on freeways, except in emergencies such as vehicle breakdowns.

“The RTMC is astonished by this behaviour on our national roads. Pedestrians under the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) are prohibited on the freeways, and it’s illegal. Content creators should not risk their lives for ‘likes’. #NizofaNina,” the authority said.

Road safety experts, including Arrive Alive, noted that pedestrian deaths make up roughly 35-40% of all road fatalities in South Africa, highlighting just how dangerous Ntuli’s stunt could have been.

Penny Speaks: Context and Clarification

Responding to the backlash, Ntuli shared a follow-up video. She explained that she and her friend had been on a long-distance drive and stopped to stretch and get some fresh air. She firmly denied drinking alcohol, stating she cannot handle it, and stressed that she was fully aware of her surroundings during the twerk.

She also addressed the idea that her clip might inspire a “new dance challenge.” Her message was clear:
“Please don’t be on the freeway doing what I did because it’s not safe.”

While she admitted the location was dangerous and apologised to those concerned about distracting drivers or causing accidents, she maintained she would not apologise for the video itself. Ntuli said her follow-up was meant to clarify misconceptions, adding, “If I were to apologise for everything people criticised me for, I would never stop.”

Social Media Reaction and Cultural Context

The incident has sparked a broader conversation in South Africa about social media stunts versus public safety. Many online users debated whether the video reflected youthful recklessness or poor judgment. Some pointed out that South Africa’s high pedestrian fatalities make any roadside activity particularly dangerous, even for trained performers or media personalities.

Others connected the story to a larger trend of influencers using extreme or risky behaviour for online engagement, questioning the balance between entertainment and responsibility.

While Penny Ntuli’s twerk may have been a lighthearted expression, it serves as a reminder of the very real dangers of mixing entertainment with traffic-heavy environments. For South Africans navigating busy roads, it’s a cautionary tale: some likes just aren’t worth a life.

{Source: IOL}

Featured Image: X {@viral2nd}