by Thinus Ferreira
Organisations and DStv subscribers are calling for the cancellation of the abusive reality show Isencane Lengane on Moja Love (DStv 157) with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) that received complaints about the controversial programme.
Moja Love on Wednesday said it "continues to offer psychological support" to the one female participant, Thando, in the show.
Isencane Lengane follows the turbulent lives of the young Siyacela Dlamuka (22) and Thando Msomi (21) who got married as teenagers in KwaZulu-Natal at 16 and 15.
Isencane Lengane sparked outrage when Moja Love in 2023 broadcast an episode showing a violent domestic abuse incident.
The show once again caused outrage with an April episode, showing extremely abusive behaviour on DStv when Siyacela was shown to threaten Thando with physical violence and said he would hit her with a sjambok, while verbally insulting her.
He told Thando he wants a second wife and will get a second wife without her consent.
The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) told TVwithThinus on Wednesday that it had "received several complaints which we were able to refer to MultiChoice for a response".
The BCCSA said that the majority of complaints over Isencane Lengane however "did not fit our criteria".
MultiChoice told TVwithThinus in response to a media query "We understand the concerns regarding the content broadcast on third-party channel, Moja Love".
"MultiChoice does not condone violence in any form. As a broadcaster, we do not have editorial control over Moja Love's programming nor do we endorse any specific viewpoints they may present, we will ascertain that this matter is escalated to the channel."
On Wednesday, Moja Love said that the TV channel "has been inundated with media
queries, including various views expressed on social media, relating to an episode of Isencane
Lengane, currently on season 7, which broadcast on Sunday 20 April 2025".
"It is important to note that the show is a reality show which reflects, explores and raises
awareness and contributes to the discourse on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and societal ills."
Nonzwakazi Cekete, Moja Love spokesperson, said that "Whilst the episode aired on Sunday 20 April 2025 is upsetting to some viewers, which the
channel takes note of and does not take lightly, it does not incite or promote GBV".
"The
opposite, however, is true in that the impugned episode explores misogyny and deep-rooted
views of one of the main cast relating to polygamy albeit ill-advised.
The channel has and continues to offer psychological support to Thando, affected members
and has done so in the past and will continue to do so."
The non-profit organisation Women for Change slammed Moja Love and demands that MultiChoice and Moja Love cancel the series.
"For far too long, South Africans have witnessed the devastating impact of gender-based violence and domestic abuse in their communities. Yet the reality TV show on DStv's Moja Love, Isencane Lengane continues to exploit this reality for entertainment value, turning deeply troubling instances of emotional and verbal abuse into content for profit and clicks".
"This is not just irresponsible, it is dangerous."
"By broadcasting such abuse without adequate intervention and accountability, Moja Love is normalising and trivialising gender-based violence, sending the harmful message that abuse is acceptable if it brings in viewers."
"In a country where women and children are raped, beaten, and killed every day, this kind of programming is not only tone-deaf, it is a betrayal of every victim and survivor."
"The show depicts disturbing dynamics, including coercion, manipulation, degradation, and violence, all under the guise of 'reality TV'. What makes this even more horrific is the ongoing failure to protect the young woman featured in the series, who has visibly suffered repeated harm while the cameras continue to roll."
"Abuse is not entertainment. Trauma is not a storyline," says Women for Change. "This kind of exploitation cannot be justified under the guise of cultural representation or entertainment. The right to entertain must never come at the cost of someone's safety, dignity, or humanity".
The organisation demands that Moja Love "discontinue the Isencane Lengane due to its dangerous portrayal of abuse and toxic relationships".
"If Thando wants to leave her abusive marriage, Moja Love and relevant authorities must offer immediate emotional and legal support. The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) must hold Moja Love accountable for violating ethical standards."
"Viewers and advertisers to stand against the exploitation of abuse and demand higher standards from the media they support. We remind South Africa that what we choose to watch, support, and allow to continue reflects the kind of society we are building."
"This is not just about a television show, this is about the systemic failure to protect women in South Africa, on and off screen."
The South African Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) organisation also slams Moja Love for Isencane Lengane for what it calls "dangerous" television.
"Media platforms have a moral and social responsibility to promote content that upholds the dignity, safety, and rights of individuals."
"Broadcasting acts of domestic abuse or violence in any form - whether under the guise of reality TV or entertainment - is a gross violation of this responsibility."
"It sends a dangerous message that violence can be exploited for public spectacle. Editorial standards and programming choices must be reviewed for any content that trivialises acts of gender-based violence and abuse against women."
