Moja Love faces renewed backlash as viewers slam reality show Isencane Lengane for airing scenes of alleged abuse in South Africa

A reality show that once drew viewers in with its raw, unfiltered look at young marriage has now found itself at the center of an intense backlash.

Moja Love’s Isencane Lengane has crossed the line for many, with audiences now demanding the network pull the plug on the controversial series.

A New Episode That Tipped the Scales

Sunday night’s episode of Isencane Lengane has sparked a massive outcry online.

Although the show has always generated debate, this particular episode appears to have struck a nerve in a big way.

The scene in question? Siyacela Dlamuka, one of the main cast members, verbally attacking his wife Thando over his plan to take a second wife.

The confrontation didn’t stop there—he also clashed with elders, adding more fuel to an already fiery situation.

What many saw was not just drama, but emotional abuse being televised for entertainment.

Social Media Reacts With Fury

It didn’t take long for viewers to take to social media platforms, expressing everything from heartbreak to disgust.

Many called out Moja Love for airing content that they believe glorifies Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

One user wrote: “Abuse is not entertainment. Trauma is not a storyline.”

Another demanded action: “A lady is crying for help on national TV.

We’re just watching while a TV channel cashes in on abuse?” The hashtag #CancelIsencaneLengane started trending soon after.

A Troubling History of Violence on the Show

This isn’t the first time the show’s lead, Siyacela, has been in hot water.

Over the years, he has openly admitted to cheating on Thando and even physically assaulting her.

One 2023 episode showed him confessing to hitting her and breaking her phone—scenes that left many wondering how the show could still be allowed to air.

Moja Love Responds to the Growing Criticism

With the controversy escalating, Moja Love finally issued a statement in response to the public outcry.

According to the channel, several complaints have been lodged with the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA), and their legal department is currently handling them.

They emphasized that Isencane Lengane is a reality show meant to depict real-life situations and cultural practices—not to glorify violence.

“We do not condone any acts of violence and/or intimidation,” the network insisted.

A Pattern That’s Hard to Ignore

But for many, that statement isn’t enough. In fact, the channel faced similar heat last year when it was fined R50,000 by the BCCSA after airing another episode that featured domestic violence.

Although that penalty was later overturned on appeal, the damage in the public eye may already have been done.

Calls for accountability haven’t gone away. Viewers are saying that Moja Love needs to take stronger steps—whether that means editing sensitive content, adding stronger disclaimers, or pulling the show altogether.

Time for Change or Just More Talk?

With so much concern around the message being sent—especially to younger audiences—the ball is now firmly in Moja Love’s court.

Is this just another PR moment that will blow over? Or will the network finally take real action?