Sol Phenduka addresses tribal bias concerns as Ngizwe Mchunu joins Podcast and Chill Network

by Zaghrah Anthony

Sol Phenduka addresses tribal bias concerns as Ngizwe Mchunu joins Podcast and Chill Network

Ngizwe Mchunu steps into a more permanent role at the Podcast and Chill Network, moving from guest appearances to hosting his own weekly segment, “Bhinca Nation”, alongside co-host Pinky Smalest. The show airs every Sunday at 8 pm, promising fresh content and lively discussions for South African podcast audiences.

The announcement was made during a live reshuffle event at Theatre on the Square in Sandton, streamed on YouTube on Tuesday evening. While fans celebrated the expansion of the network, the move sparked conversations on social media about cultural representation and inclusivity.

Social media sparks debate

The discussion quickly caught fire on X (formerly Twitter), with some viewers questioning whether the network was prioritising one culture over others.

User @El_Sporo voiced disappointment:

“Kind of disappointing for Mac, a Venda guy, to be accommodating only the Zulu culture over his own. When Bala said the podcast would ‘represent culture,’ I thought it would encompass all cultures. He just alienated other tribes from watching that Sunday show.”

Sol Phenduka responded promptly, defending the choice of Mchunu:

“On the contrary, @El_Sporo. Very big of Mac to represent culture and objectively choose a talented broadcaster who is ripe for podcasting, even if he isn’t Venda. Mac has literally pushed and taken pride in his Venda origins and culture throughout his whole career. HE NDAAAAA!!! Stop being so easily disappointed.”

The conversation revealed a deeper expectation among fans for South African media to balance talent with cultural inclusivity. Other users echoed similar concerns:

“I also thought the show was going to include all cultures,” wrote @BenguXolan. “I’m Zulu, and we are often labelled as a tribe that is ignorant of other cultures. I really hope that, as much as the hosts are Zulu, they bring in all African cultures.”

@Dzivhani_14 added: “The closest thing to Vhavenda that Mac has included in the Pod was hiring Monaka, even though she doesn’t speak Tshivenda. Venda guests would surely go a long way in terms of representation.”

A reflection on representation in media

The debate highlights a recurring tension in South African media: the balance between showcasing individual talent and providing platforms for cultural diversity. Fans suggested that the network could have framed the show to celebrate multiple cultures, rather than giving the impression of a single-tribe focus.

@MakhazaSaai suggested: “He should have at least called the network ‘Roots with Bhinca Nation,’ a network that gives exposure to diverse cultures of South Africa or Southern Africa. But now you’ve limited the show to only the Zulu tribe.”

Phenduka’s response underscores a common challenge in South African entertainment: celebrating personal heritage while meeting the expectations of a multicultural audience. His defence of Mchunu’s selection highlights confidence in the broadcaster’s talent and potential to grow the network’s presence, while fans continue to push for broader inclusivity.

What’s next for Bhinca Nation?

As “Bhinca Nation” prepares for its Sunday debut, the conversation on inclusivity is likely to continue. Social media watchers and podcast enthusiasts will be paying attention to how the segment navigates cultural representation while delivering engaging content.

With the rising influence of podcasts in South Africa, shows like this offer both opportunities for storytelling and responsibility in representation, a balance that may define the network’s reputation in the months to come.

Source: IOL

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