A leaked phone conversation between former President Jacob Zuma and controversial Ibhinca nation leader Ngizwe Mchunu has sparked widespread discussion on social media after surfacing on X on 29 May 2026.
In the isiZulu-language call, the two men addressed the recent anti-illegal immigrant protests that have affected several major cities. They also spoke about the burning of Mchunu’s homestead amid the tensions. Zuma, who leads the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, and Mchunu, a vocal activist known for leading campaigns against undocumented foreigners, engaged in a lengthy discussion on these issues.
The conversation further touched on the disputed coronation of a Nigerian king reportedly held on South African soil, a topic that has drawn criticism from various quarters. The private exchange has triggered debate about political alliances, the handling of immigration concerns, and the role of public figures in addressing sensitive national matters.
Ngizwe Mchunu has been a prominent voice in recent “March and March” actions pushing for stricter controls on illegal immigration and the deportation of undocumented foreign nationals. His activism has been linked to heightened tensions in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The leaked call comes shortly after reports of violence targeting his property, which he and supporters attribute to the fallout from these protests.
The release of the recording has elicited strong reactions online. Some users praised the discussion as an open airing of issues affecting ordinary South Africans, while others criticised the tone and content as potentially inflammatory or lacking proper decorum for figures of their influence. Supporters of the MK Party view it as evidence of Zuma’s continued engagement with grassroots concerns.
Political analysts note that the incident highlights deep divisions over immigration policy in South Africa. Government officials have repeatedly condemned xenophobic violence and urged calm, while calling for legal channels to address undocumented migration and related crimes.
As of now, neither Zuma nor Mchunu has issued a detailed public response to the leak. The South African Police Service has not commented on any investigation into the recording’s origins. The episode is likely to fuel further debate as the country grapples with balancing immigration enforcement, community safety, and social cohesion.
