‘They’re saying we’re a couple’: SA creator denied entry into Zanzibar

South African content creator Austin Mzukwa claimed that he was denied entry into Zanzibar because airport staff thought he and his friend were a couple, sparking a conversation about LGBTQ+ laws in Tanzania.

AUSTIN MZUKWA RECOUNTS BEING DENIED ENTRY INTO ZANZIBAR

South African content creator Austin Mzukwa sparked a fresh debate after claiming that he and a male friend were turned away at a Zanzibar airport. In a video shared online, he said officials stopped the pair because they believed the two men were romantically involved.

Tanzanian authorities have not publicly confirmed that the men were denied entry, or that their sexuality was the cause. However, the video of Mzukwa explaining what happened went viral on social media. In the video, he stated that he and his friend Sky were stuck at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar and had to return back home to South Africa, as they were denied entry.

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Mzukwa is known for beauty, fashion and lifestyle content. He is also associated with a wig and hair-extension business and brand partnerships. He has been trending for other reasons recently. He celebrated buying a Mercedes-Benz A250, with a floral display reportedly costing about R50 000. That reveal drew a separate debate about his income and the lifestyle he shows online.

“Happy birthday to me , Grateful for another year around the sun. 🌞✨ Blessed beyond words, growing through every season, and stepping into a new chapter with gratitude. 🥂🤍,” read the caption.

WHAT THE TANZANIAN LAW SURROUNDING LGBTQ+

Tanzania criminalises consensual same-sex relationships between men. The mainland penal code allows for life imprisonment and, in some circumstances, a minimum sentence of 30 years. Zanzibar has its own penal legislation, which carries up to 14 years for offences it classes as unnatural. It also criminalises sex between women and certain acts of “indecency”.

Rights organisations say these laws are enforced in practice. The Human Dignity Trust reports arrests, detention and discrimination against LGBT people in Tanzania, including earlier arrests in Zanzibar over alleged homosexuality. ILGA World has similarly documented arrests, harassment and persecution. For gay travellers, the risk is real rather than theoretical.

Earlier this year air-carrier Airlink added a year-round flight to Zanzibar from Johannesburg.