Mbuyiseni Ndlozi Reacts to Ed Sheeran’s Gaza Speech: "How Hard Can It Be to Call It What It Is?"
- Ed Sheeran addressed his stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict during a live concert at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on 19 September 2026
- The speech came after Macklemore was removed from Sheeran's tour following pro-Palestine remarks at a New Jersey show on 5 September
- EFF's Mbuyiseni Ndlozi reacted to the footage, sparking fierce debate across South African social media
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Source: UGC
Former EFF politician Mbuyiseni Ndlozi has weighed in on Ed Sheeran's widely shared on-stage address about the Israel-Palestine conflict, criticising the British singer for stopping short of labelling the situation in Gaza a genocide. The reaction has set Mzansi social media alight.
Ndlozi shared footage of Sheeran's speech, which was delivered at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, 19 September 2026, with a pointed caption:
"It's a GENOCIDE! How hard can it be to call it what it is?"
What Ed Sheeran said on stage
The three-minute address came after Sheeran faced public scrutiny for removing rapper Macklemore from his tour after Macklemore made pro-Palestine remarks at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 5 September.
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Speaking to the packed stadium crowd, Sheeran said he had "tried in my career not to be a political commentator" because he wants his shows to be about "unity, not division." He went on to acknowledge that "what happened in Israel and at the No Man's Land Music Festival on October 7th was horrific and compounded centuries of Jewish pain," while also stating that "what is happening in Gaza is catastrophic and unjustifiable and disproportionate."
Echoing his earlier statement, Sheeran added that his "heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilians' lives, children's lives," and noted that "the systemic injustice you are seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked." He also said he is "speaking to people across the spectrum to work out how to make a contribution that helps victims of these terrible times."
Despite the emotional and unusually candid tone of the address, Sheeran did not use the word "genocide," which is precisely what drew Ndlozi's criticism.
Watch the video below:
Mzansi reacts to Mbuyiseni Ndlozi's post
The post split opinion sharply online. Below are some of the reactions:
@AnilSalick said:
"Ed Sheeran exposed himself as a puppet to the Israel Lobby and Epstein class. Using the word 'genocide' doesn't help careerists, pay, opportunity, and those propagandised/brainwashed/comfortable in their ignorance and storytelling. Softball neutrality represents hope."
@guillum criticised:
"You don't know the meaning of the word 'genocide'. Rather, just keep quiet. You're embarrassing yourself."
@ByrnndiWrld challenged:
"Define genocide, Dr Ndlozi. How is what you're doing different from Trump saying there's a white genocide in SA? We also asked those people to define genocide. Throwing this word around so easily is irresponsible."
@Gift06895657 argued:
"People in the comment section are still comparing Gaza Genocide with Trump's version of Genocide in South Africa 😂. People are sick. FREE PALESTINE ✊🏾"
@RockyB44427546B remarked:
"Genocide is the 90 murders per day that are taking place in your own backyard. Put your energy where it's needed!"
Sizwe Dhlomo calls out Mbuyiseni Ndlozi
This isn't the first time Mbuyiseni Ndlozi's comments have fuelled public debate.
Previously, Briefly News reported that Sizwe Dhlomo criticised Ndlozi for saying he was unsure whether he would vote at a livestreamed public forum.
Mzansi weighed in on whether Ndlozi's sentiments are dangerous given South Africa's already low voter turnout.
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Source: Briefly News
