Following complaints by the EFF over what they called tribalist comments by controversial former radio presenter Ngizwe Mchunu, JAC Motors Port Shepstone in KwaZulu Natal has terminated its sponsorship with him. In a video that went viral over the weekend, Mchunu dared EFF leader Julius Malema to host the party's election manifesto at the Moses Mabhida stadium. He also used derogatory words referring to Limpopo people.

APOLOGISING

After the social media uproar, Mchunu issued a formal apology for the remarks he made. "As the president of the Bhinca nation, I hereby apologise for making such comments. I am aware that my comments have received a lot of criticism from all corners of the country. I apologise for making such. I'm not a tribalistic person and I respect all the tribes in South Africa. I wish you the best holidays as we are looking forward to 2024 as we will have our elections next year," he said. Mchunu had said in the video that Malema and the EFF will not come to KZN as he was the border gate in the province. "I heard you're also coming to KwaZulu-Natal, I'm the one in charge here, I'm the border gate here,". He went on to say Malema should launch his party manifesto in Seshego where his ancestors will understand his language."The people from here hear from us and you'll find them from us. If you want them you must explain to us why you need them first, speak isiZulu. You can only load Shangane people and bring them here, no Zulu person will attend his event at Moses Mabhida stadium,"

RELATIONSHIP TERMINATED

In a statement yesterday, JAC Motors confirmed that they have terminated their relationship with Mchunu. "Jac Motors hereby distances itself from the tribalistic and divisive utterances made by Mr Ngizwe Mchunu. These utterances are condemned in the strongest terms. As such we have decided to terminate our working relationship with Mr Ngizwe Mchunu and recall our vehicle from his possession. Every citizen has a right to live anywhere in South Africa and to freely commute across provinces without prior approval. Jac Motors Port Shepstone embraces this fundamental right of the people of our rainbow nation," the statement said.

EFF KZN WELCOMES THE DECISION

The EFF in KZN has welcomed JAC Motors decision. In a social media post, the red berets said: "We can confirm that JAC Motors has terminated its relationship with Mr Ngizwe Mchunu. He has been given until tomorrow to return the vehicle to the dealership. We are intolerant of tribalism the same way we are intolerant of racism,". The dealership has also given Mchunu until the close of business today to return their car.