DStv Pulls the Plug: MacG’s “Podcast and Chill” Partnership Ends Abruptly Amid Minnie Dlamini Outrage

DStv terminates its partnership with MacG’s “Podcast and Chill” following controversial remarks about Minnie Dlamini, igniting debate on media accountability and online regulation in South Africa.

DStv Pulls the Plug: MacG’s “Podcast and Chill” Partnership Ends Amidst Minnie Dlamini Outrage

DStv Cancels MacG’s Podcast and Chill Partnership After Minnie Dlamini Outrage

DStv Severs Ties with MacG’s ‘Podcast and Chill’ After Controversial Comments About Minnie Dlamini

Published: May 26, 2025
By: Celebrity News Desk

Johannesburg, South Africa – The highly anticipated partnership between DStv, Africa’s leading entertainment platform, and MacG’s immensely popular “Podcast and Chill” has come to an abrupt and controversial end. The termination, confirmed just days ago, follows widespread public outrage ignited by offensive comments made by host MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho about media personality Minnie Dlamini.

What was initially hailed as a groundbreaking fusion of independent digital content and mainstream broadcasting has devolved into a swift and decisive split, highlighting the escalating tensions between unfiltered online expression and traditional media accountability.

The controversy exploded after a recent episode of “Podcast and Chill” aired, in which MacG, alongside co-hosts Sol Phenduka, Ghost Lady, and Mashabela, discussed Minnie Dlamini’s personal life. During the conversation, MacG made deeply derogatory and misogynistic remarks about Dlamini, including questioning her inability to “keep men” and making crude comments about her private parts.

These comments sparked an immediate and furious backlash across social media platforms, with countless users, advocacy groups, and fellow celebrities condemning the remarks as sexist, dehumanizing, and a blatant example of online gender-based violence. The public outcry was so intense that it even drew the attention of the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, who emphasized DStv’s responsibility to uphold values of respect and dignity on its associated platforms, stating that “Freedom of speech should not be used to harm other people’s rights.”

While the controversial episode itself had not aired on a MultiChoice-owned channel, the reputational damage and the sheer volume of condemnation prompted a rapid response from the broadcaster. MultiChoice, DStv’s parent company, confirmed the termination of its relationship with “Podcast and Chill with MacG” via a Sunday Times article published on May 25, 2025.

This swift action demonstrates DStv’s clear intent to distance itself from content that violates public decency and promotes harmful narratives, even from popular figures. While DStv initially framed the partnership’s end as part of a “content refresh strategy” aimed at diversifying its lineup, the timing and context make it clear that the Dlamini controversy was the decisive factor.

In the wake of the uproar, Minnie Dlamini broke her silence on May 13, issuing a powerful statement that transcended personal humiliation, framing the attack as a systemic issue of misogyny. She expressed “disbelief and deep pain” as her “name, body, and dignity were dragged through the mud.” Dlamini also confirmed receiving an apology from MacG’s legal team, but dismissed it as “insincere,” stating: “An apology, offered only after the damage is done and reputations are on the line, is not a meaningful act of accountability. This was not a lapse in judgment. It was a reflection of values consistently displayed and defended by the show and its host.” She has also indicated her intention to pursue legal action.

The fallout from this incident has reignited a crucial national debate about the regulation of online content and podcasts in South Africa. Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, had previously condemned MacG’s utterances. She described them as online gender-based violence. Letsike called for accountability. Discussions about regulating Over-the-Top (OTT) services and online content are already underway in Parliament. Lawmakers emphasize the need to ensure platforms operate within constitutional frameworks. They also aim to curb offensive content and provide recourse for victims.

The abrupt termination has sparked a new wave of reactions across social media, with “Chillers” (MacG’s fanbase) and critics weighing in:

• TikTok: Videos are trending with hashtags like #MacGDropped and #DStvDrama.
  • “DStv said ‘not on our watch’! 💅 The MacG deal is over. What are your thoughts, Chillers?”
  • “Accountability served. This is a win for women in media. #MinnieDlamini #EnoughIsEnough”
• X (formerly Twitter): Discussions range from calls for tougher regulations to debates on free speech.
  • “The writing was on the wall. You can’t cross lines like that on mainstream platforms. #MacG #DStv”
  • “They silenced him! This isn’t about accountability, it’s about control. #PodcastAndChillForever”
• Instagram: Memes and commentary are widely shared.
  • “A big moment for South African media. Brands are listening. #NoMoreMisogyny”
  • “We’ll follow him to YouTube! DStv’s loss. 💪 #GhostLady #SolPhenduka”

The termination of ‘Podcast and Chill’ from DStv’s lineup serves as a significant moment in South Africa’s media landscape, prompting critical conversations about the boundaries of commentary, the responsibilities of content creators, and the role of broadcasters in upholding ethical standards. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains a focal point for discussions on media accountability and the impact of digital content on public discourse.

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#DStv #DStvDrama #EnoughIsEnough #GhostLady #MacG #MacGDropped #MinnieDlamini #NoMoreMisogyny #PodcastAndChillForever #SolPhenduka