Ngizwe Mchunu confirms Bhinca festival cancellation, claims EFF clash

Media personality Ngizwe Mchunu has confirmed the cancellation of his highly anticipated Bhinca Heritage and Maskandi Festival, which was scheduled to take place in Inanda, north of Durban. The decision follows a violent confrontation between his supporters and members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on the eve of the event.

Mchunu stated that the safety of attendees could no longer be guaranteed after tensions escalated during venue preparations. He alleged that the confrontation began when his team encountered a group of EFF supporters, leading to a volatile standoff.

A member of my security team fired an AK-47 assault rifle into the air after noticing firearms among an EFF group in Inanda.

The incident prompted police intervention to restore order in the area. Mchunu expressed his frustration over the disruption, noting that the festival was intended to be a celebration of culture rather than a political battleground. The EFF, which was hosting its own provincial manifesto launch nearby at the JL Dube Stadium, had previously vowed to prevent Mchunu’s event from proceeding.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the clash and the reported discharge of a firearm. Mchunu has maintained that his security team acted in self-defense during the altercation.