Sol Phenduka, a prominent voice on the 'Podcast and Chill Network', sparked discussions on representation and inclusivity with his post celebrating Ngizwe Mchunu’s new role.
Image: File
Ngizwe Mchunu has joined the "Podcast and Chill Network" in a more permanent role, moving beyond his previous appearances as a guest on the flagship show, “Podcast and Chill with MacG”.
His new segment, “Bhinca Nation", will air every Sunday at 8 pm and is co-hosted with Pinky Smalest.
This development was announced during a live reshuffle event streamed on YouTube on Tuesday evening at Theatre on the Square in Sandton.
The move has drawn mixed reactions online, with some viewers questioning the network’s cultural inclusivity.
On X, user @El_Sporo expressed 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.”
The comment followed a post by Phenduka noting, “Ngizwe about to takeover the podcast scene hard.”
Phenduka responded directly to @El_Sporo, defending the choice of Mchunu for the show: “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 continued as @El_Sporo clarified his concerns: “My disappointment isn’t in the tribe or host chosen, or saying he isn’t proud, it’s just the one tribe. Just like ‘Piano Pulse’ moved to all music, this should have been all cultures.
"It also allows for more content and inclusiveness, but then again, they have more numbers.”
Other social media users echoed similar concerns.
@BenguXolan wrote, “I also thought the show was going to include all cultures. I am 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, “I’m sorry, Sol, but I gotta agree with the comment. He Ndaaa is not enough. 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.”
Another user, @MakhazaSaai, suggested that the network could have framed the show differently: “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.”