UDM’s Kwankwa apologises as AI image of him chasing Mayor Faku with whip sparks GBV outrage

Buffalo City, South Africa. A charged AI-generated image showing United Democratic Movement (UDM) mayoral candidate Nqabayomzi Kwankwa chasing Buffalo City Mayor Princess Faku with a whip has sparked widespread outrage. The image has drawn criticism from both political sides with calls for more responsibility in how social media content is used during elections.

The image surfaced during the race between Kwankwa and Faku who is seeking to keep her position as mayor under the African National Congress (ANC). According to a report by Daily Dispatch published on September 14 2026 the fabricated image spread online. It followed posts that showed a different image of Kwankwa being chased.

Kwankwa has said he had no part in creating, approving or spreading the image. He rejected it completely. "Depicting violence against a woman. Whether real staged or AI-generated. Is never acceptable in our politics " he said. He also personally apologised to Mayor Faku for any pain the image may have caused no matter who made it or shared it.

Mayor Faku Condemns Image

Faku’s spokesperson, Bongani Fuzile called the image disturbing and completely unacceptable. He stressed that political disagreements should not be shown through pictures that show violence, humiliation or the degradation of another person. Fuzile said Faku welcomed Kwankwa’s statement, his denial and his apology.

Calls for Responsible Political Campaigning

Both political parties have asked for responsibility on social media as the local government elections approach. Kwankwa urged anyone who shared the image to take it down from their platforms. He also asked UDM supporters, activists and page administrators to check content before sharing it.

https://www.dailydispatch.co.za/news/city/2026-09-14-mayoral-rivals-kwankwa-faku-condemn-ai-whip-image/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fuzile said political competition should focus on ideas, policies and programmes to improve the lives of residents. It should not be about attacks or intimidation.

Kwankwa said his campaign will focus on fixing development improving roads tackling water and sanitation problems and making sure Buffalo City is led by qualified and capable people.

The incident has brought attention back to how artificial intelligence can be misused in politics. It also shows the risks of manipulated images being used to show violence, against public figures.