Moja Love responds to viewer backlash over ‘Isencane Lengane’, says show reflects real-life stories

Channel Moja Love has come under fire from viewers because of its reality show “Isencane Lengane”.

IOL reached out to Moja Love for a response to the latest backlash from viewers regarding the reality show. The show follows the lives of Thando and Siyacela Dlamuka, who got married as teenagers in 2019.

Moja Love explained that "Isencane Lengane" is a reality show which reflects, explores and raises awareness and contributes to the discourse on Gender Based Violence (“GBV”) and societal-ills.

“It is important to mention that the show is a reality show that showcases real-life stories and embraces various cultural aspects of the lives of the main casts. The channel does not condone any acts of violence and/or intimidation,” said the channel.

In an episode aired on Sunday, April 20, 2025, an explosive argument erupts over Siyacela’s decision to take on a second wife. The couple's discussion escalates and Siyacela is seen hurling insults at Thando and the family elders.

"Whilst the episode aired on Sunday, 20 April 2025 is upsetting to the some viewers, which the channel takes note of and does not take lightly, it does not incite and/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."

Moja Love also shared that they have and continue to offer psychological support to Thando and affected members

The channel has received various complaints lodged with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) and their legal department is addressing the complaints.

The channel also noted how the BCCSA Tribunal found that the “Isencane Lengane” did not breach any provision of the BCCSA where similar complaints were launched against the Channel a few years ago.

In 2023, the BCCSA fined Moja Love R50,000 because it neglected to “proactively rectify the violent content”. However, the channel was cleared on appeal.

Women's advocacy group Women For Change is among the voices calling for the reality show's discontinuation. 

“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.”

IOL Entertainment