Papa Penny, Ngizwe Mchunu clash over ‘tribalist’ protest chant at Eastern Cape unrest

South African musician and politician Papa Penny has weighed in on a controversial protest chant that has sparked heated debate online after violent unrest in the Eastern Cape.

In a video posted on TikTok, the artist, whose real name is Eric Kulani Giyani Nkovani and is sometimes called Penny Penny, criticised the chant “Shangane suka endleleni”, which translates to “Shangaan, get out of the way”.

The chant was heard in videos circulating on social media in which radio personality Ngizwe Mchunu and March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese are seen among a crowd singing the chant.

The controversy comes in the wake of chaos that erupted in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape on Monday. Cars were set alight, property was vandalised and a woman died during a protest linked to the reported coronation of a Nigerian as king.

Emergency services, including fire crews, were dispatched to the scene while police used teargas to disperse protesters.

The unrest followed the circulation of videos and images showing Solomon Ogbonna Eziko being crowned “Igwe Ndigbo” in the city, formerly known as East London.

Responding directly to Mchunu, Papa Penny condemned the chant.

“To the people singing about Shangaan people in the Eastern Cape, every time you open your mouth it’s Shangaan. We Shangaan people are good and we need peace. We want to unite each other and you guys are still singing about Shangaan people. Why don’t you sing about Nigerians?” he said.

Mchunu hit back, accusing Papa Penny of being “sensitive” and in turn tribalistic. He argued that Zulu people often use the term “Shangaan” positively, even as a compliment for strong or hardworking individuals and insisted there was no intention to offend.

“We are one thing and we are fighting for one thing, why are you becoming so sensitive? When someone speaks you say you touch Shangaans, you touch me. Even when a person mentions the word Shangaan,” said Mchunu.

“Papa Penny is the one who is a tribalist. He tribalises everything, making it seem like we are fighting against Shangaan people. I am tired of you, Papa Penny. Let us unite and build this country.”

The exchange has divided social media users, with some backing Mchunu’s stance and others supporting Papa Penny’s call for sensitivity and unity.

On X, user Gunyula Nukeri wrote: “Penny Penny is correct, that song and the belief of some South Africans is the stumbling block for us to win this fight against illegal criminals. Let’s first know each other and respect each other. Then we can go and win this fight.”

Another user, Nkosiyethu Dingiswayo, echoed calls for unity, saying: “He said the most important part. We must unite.”

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