JOHANNESBURG – Popular radio personality Penny Ntuli has found herself at the center of a heated social media storm after a viral video surfaced showing her and a friend twerking beside the N3 South highway near Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal. The video, which was widely shared over the weekend, drew mixed reactions from the public—with many slamming it as irresponsible and attention-seeking.
In response to the widespread criticism, Penny Ntuli took to social media on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, to share a video addressing the controversy. In her statement, the Jozi FM presenter clarified her intentions and expressed frustration at the backlash.
“I wasn’t apologising for twerking on the road, but I wanted to clear the air and explain why we did it,” said Ntuli.
Penny Ntuli’s Explanation Fails to Quell Outrage
While Ntuli hoped to offer context behind the light-hearted roadside moment, her explanation did little to soften the outrage. Many social media users felt her response came across as dismissive, and some even accused her of being disrespectful to the public.
Critics argue that dancing on the side of a national road—one of the busiest in the country—not only poses serious safety risks but also sets a bad example for her younger audience. The video has sparked debate about the influence of celebrities and the responsibility they bear when using public platforms.
“As a public figure, Penny Ntuli should know better. It’s not just about fun—there are consequences,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted.
“This is dangerous behavior. Highways are not playgrounds,” commented another.
This is not the first time Penny Ntuli has made headlines for controversial reasons. Earlier in 2024, the former Gagasi FM presenter spoke out publicly about issues of underpayment and mistreatment at the station. Her candid revelations about being paid as little as R3,000 per month sparked discussions around fair compensation in the South African media industry, particularly for young black women.
While her honesty on that issue gained her public sympathy, the twerking video appears to have reversed some of that goodwill, with critics now labeling her behavior as attention-seeking and unprofessional.
Despite the growing criticism, Ntuli insists the video was not intended to cause harm or incite reckless behavior. She explained that the roadside dance was simply a spontaneous moment of joy shared with a friend during a road trip.
“We were just having fun. There was no traffic where we stopped, and we made sure it was safe,” she said in the video statement.
However, the attempt to downplay the seriousness of the act has not gone over well with the broader public. Road safety advocates have pointed out that encouraging such behavior, especially when posted online, can be dangerous—even if the situation seemed harmless at the time.
The Penny Ntuli incident has also reignited conversations about the responsibility influencers and public figures carry in shaping public behavior. With thousands of followers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X, Ntuli is seen by many as a role model—particularly for young women.
Media ethics commentators argue that viral content like this can unintentionally promote dangerous trends.
“What influencers post doesn’t happen in a vacuum. People emulate what they see online,” said one Johannesburg-based digital media analyst.
“When someone with a platform like Penny Ntuli posts something like this, it sends a message—even if that message is unintended.”
While many have criticized Ntuli’s actions, a segment of her fan base has come to her defense. Supporters argue that Penny Ntuli was simply expressing herself and that the backlash has been blown out of proportion.
“People are too quick to judge. It was just a fun moment, nothing more,” wrote one fan on Instagram.
“Let Penny live! We all need joy, and she’s not hurting anyone,” said another.
As the controversy continues to unfold online, Penny Ntuli remains unapologetic about the dance itself, but appears to be reflecting on how her content is received.
Whether this moment becomes a career setback or a minor bump in the road remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Penny Ntuli has once again found herself in the spotlight—this time for reasons that have sparked serious conversations around safety, responsibility, and the power of digital influence.
Source- Fakaza
