Unathi apologises for ‘tribalist’ comments on ‘Idols SA’
Unathi says Xhosas are tired of holding the nation.
Unathi
Idols SA judge Unathi Nkayi has apologised for comments she made during last night’s episode in her excitement after contestant Luyolo went through to the final two.
After his performance, Unathi said: “On behalf of the Xhosa people we are tired of holding up the nation. From Tat’ uKani to the son on Black Panther, to Miss South Africa, to Siya Kolisi winning the world cup, and now we finally have someone from the Eastern Cape in the finale.”
She has since been highly criticised on social media for making “tribalist” and “divisive” comments that would “discourage” people other than Xhosas from voting for Luyolo.
Twitter user Mthwane Anelisa commented: “Unathi just jeopardised Luyolo’s chances in winning. That tribal joke was really not necessary #IdolsSA,” while Jabi Mpela said: “Racism is not our biggest problem in SA, tribalism is. What Unathi said was unnecessary.#IdolsSA.”
Others, however, called on viewers not to punish Luyolo for what Unathi said.
Unathi has apologised for the comments on social media.
She wrote: “It saddens me that I have broken so many hearts with what I said tonight. What I saw was a beautiful joke being passed around this past week by so many South Africans, not necessarily Xhosa and wanted to share. I was wrong and I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry if I have hurt your feelings.”
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