Somizi makes front page news in Zambia for slamming homophobic minister
This is the same minister who had Zodwa Wabantu deported over fears that her pantyless performance would impact on the morality of Zambian citizens.
Somizi has had enough of Facebook hackers. Picture: Refilwe Modise
South African celebrity Somizi Mhlongo has made front-page news in Zambia after slamming the country’s national guidance and religious affairs minister, Reverend Godfridah Sumaili.
His rant came after she prevented a local events management company from booking Somizi for the upcoming Lusaka July by using her position to ban his entry into the country.
She justified her decision by stating that Zambia was a Christian nation and allowing a gay man into the country would corrupt citizen’s morals.
Somizi makes front page news in Zambia | Image: Supplied
Diggers News reports that when Somizi was told of Sumaili’s declaration in an interview, he rolled his eyes and said that he had not planned on attending anyway.
“I did not even know that they had issues with people who are LGBTIQ. When I realised tha,t I felt so bad for the LGBTIQ living in that country,” Somizi was quoted as saying.
He went on to call the minister’s utterances absurd.
“And for the minister to think my coming will make her people more gayer than they are is absurd. Oppressing people for their sexual orientation won’t change them.”
He compared her desire to oppress the LGBTIQ community to that of governments who previously systematically oppressed black people.
“It’s such a shame actually, especially coming from a so-called self-righteous minister of religious whatever! When they are supposed to preach love and acceptance, they act the opposite.”
He concluded by sending his Zambian fans love and giving his LGBTIQ fans hope.
“They must know that one day they will all be free and they will be welcomed to my country as they are and this doesn’t change how I feel about your country. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people.”
The event organisers, PR Girl Media, the minister, and a representative from the country’s National Arts Council hosted a press briefing to clarify their positions on the matter.
https://www.facebook.com/273812309715103/videos/2387054961527114/
Early last year, Sumaili made the same declaration about local entertainer Zodwa Wabantu, who was deported from Zambia on arrival.
READ NEXT: Zodwa Wabantu deported from Zambia over no-underwear fears
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