Helen Zille accused of swearing at fellow panellist during political debate

ActionSA and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have called for the broadcast of a political debate in which Democratic Alliance (DA) Joburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille is accused of swearing at a fellow panellist.

According to ActionSA, the debate was recorded on 31 August in Orlando East, Soweto, and was hosted by Nimrod Nkosi.

Participants included ActionSA’s Ayanda Allie, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Joburg mayoral candidate Mlungisi Mabaso, MK Party representative Andile Chalwe and Patriotic Alliance (PA) representative Solly Mkhize.

HELEN ZILLE ACCUSED OF SWEARING AT FELLOW PANELLIST

In a joint statement, ActionSA and the MK Party said the recording of the political debate lasted almost four hours, during which tensions escalated among the panellists and audience members.

“As tempers flared, Helen Zille directed profane language at Andile Chalwe, an exchange witnessed by Ayanda Allie. When the issue was raised with the host, Zille admitted to using vulgar language in response to Chalwe’s remarks,” the parties said.

The parties said Moja Love had undertaken to air the two-part debate by 30 September, but the recording has not been broadcast.

“Moja Love has reportedly indicated that its decision not to air the episodes was due to its failure to obtain signed release forms from the panellists. However, the participating parties maintain that the forms were signed and have called for clarity regarding the decision not to air the programmes,” they said.

We spent 4 hours recording this panel discussion, only for @MojaLoveTv to can it!

Why? Well, because during this debate @helenzille swore at @MkhontoweSizwex Spokesperson Andile Chalwe.

But instead of protecting Chalwe from Zille’s profanity, it’s Zille who’s being protected! https://t.co/D7mLagrXHQ

— Ayanda Allie (@AyandaAllie)

October 7, 2026

PARTIES THREATEN LEGAL ACTION AGAINST MOJA LOVE

ActionSA and the MK Party have called for both episodes to be broadcast in full by 15 October, including the alleged exchange between Helen Zille and Andile Chalwe and the explanation provided during the programme.

The parties said that if the recorded episodes are not broadcast by 15 October, the affected parties will consider legal action and reserve all their rights in that regard.