Zimbabwean content creator Ndoyisile Sibindi is under fire for recent classist ‘jokes’. Picture: Instagram.
Joburg-based content creator Ndoyisile Sibindi is facing backlash on social media following recent remarks.
In a video deleted on TikTok, the Zimbabwean influence said people of Tembisa were overcrowding Mall of Africa as if there were no malls in Tembisa.
“I think abantu abagcwalisa i Mall of Africa ngabantu be Tembisa, kanti anina mall e Tembisa? Ngingitshela ukuthi nishiya i Mall of Tembisa kumbe kune mall angazi, nizogcwala e Mall of Africa because people are just gallivanting, they are occupying the mall for no reason, and it’s so uncomfortable for us who are claustrophobic.”
His statement can be translated to: “People who overcrowd the Mall of Africa are those from Tembisa. Don’t you guys have a mall in Tembisa? You want to tell me you leave the Mall of Tembisa to overcrowd the Mall of Africa?”
Hello @HomeAffairsSA,
— Still 96 Baby (@ThaboTheBoy_) January 12, 2025
Kindly investigate the case of a Zimbabwean individual named Ndoyisile Ndumiso Sibindi. He entered South Africa on a study visa but has now been in the country for several years.
Cc: @Leon_Schreib pic.twitter.com/kzN3Zj5gXl
Most South Africans didn’t like that video because he not only disrespected the people of Tembisa but it opened old wounds for people who could not occupy certain spaces during the apartheid.
“I still can't believe a Zimbabwean wants South Africans to stop going to Mall of Africa so that he can be comfortable since he is a ‘classist’. Ndoyisile has a nerve,” said @maremeni_rita.
Another X user, @SZondi, said: “I saw that Ndoyisile video. It wasn’t funny. South Africans suffered from the Group Areas Act, which led to townships like Tembisa. They weren’t allowed to be in suburbs like Midrand.
“For someone to suggest that people from Tembisa shouldn’t be in a mall in Midrand is insulting and classist.”
After many people threatened to cancel him and have his documents investigated, he posted a follow-up video with an apology.
“First things first, I am sorry if I offended you. It was not my intention, it was just a joke,” he said.
"sorry if i offended you" " people love my videos that's why I am approaching 1 million followers" 🤣🤣 was this supposed to be an appology ndoyisile? Even us who are not residents of thembisa got offended hawu pic.twitter.com/kwUx4csNke
— rita (@maremeni_rita) January 12, 2025
However, Mzansi didn’t accept his apology because, besides wearing a T-shirt with “whatever” on that video, it was not genuine. Starting an apology with “if I offended you” instead of “for offending you” means you are not sorry for your actions. If anything, you fail to take accountability.
“Ndoyisile doesn't see us or respect us! He intentionally wore a t-shirt with the word ‘Whatever.’ It is this arrogance that frustrates South Africans like myself even more,” said @Miz_Ruraltarain.
Others pointed out that if tables were turned and a South African said Zimbabweans were overcrowding the mall, they would be called xenophobic.
In the meantime, Sibindi has lost followers.
His situation can be seen as a lesson for other content creators to be mindful of what they say on social media.
Perhaps, it is best to leave comedy to professionals.