Ndoyisile Sibindi Issues Apology for Controversial Comments on Mall of Africa

TikTok sensation and content creator Ndoyisile Sibindi found himself at the center of controversy after a viral video of him ranting about overcrowding at the Mall of Africa sparked backlash. The Zimbabwean-born influencer faced significant criticism from social media users, particularly those from Tembisa, who felt his remarks were offensive.

**The Video That Sparked the Backlash**

The controversial video, which was initially posted on TikTok, showed Ndoyisile expressing frustration about the mall being overcrowded. In the video, he vented about people from Tembisa, questioning why they would leave their local mall to flock to the Mall of Africa.

“You want to tell me that you guys leave your mall in Tembisa, if there is a mall in Tembisa, to come and overcrowd Mall of Africa? People are just gallivanting and occupying the mall for no reason. It’s so uncomfortable for us who are claustrophobic,” he said.

His words quickly went viral, but not in the way he intended. Many netizens expressed their displeasure, and some even called for his deportation, suggesting that his comments were disrespectful to South Africans and implied classism.

Hello @HomeAffairsSA,

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

— Still 96 Baby (@ThaboTheBoy_) January 12, 2025

**Ndoyisile’s Apology: “It Was Just a Joke”**

In response to the backlash, Ndoyisile took to social media to apologize. In a follow-up video, which has since been deleted, he explained that his initial video was meant to be a joke and was not intended to hurt or offend anyone.

“This video is mainly to apologise to people from Tembisa who got offended by the video that is currently circulating. First things first, I’m sorry if I offended you, it was not my intention, it was just a joke,” he stated.

I saw that Ndoyisile video. It wasn’t funny. South Africans suffered 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 & classist.

— Siphumelele Zondi (@SZondi) January 12, 2025

He also clarified that the video was recorded as part of a vlog for his YouTube channel, posted two weeks prior. The vlog was intended to explain why he couldn’t film in the mall due to overcrowding, and his comments were part of the humorous content that is common in his videos.

“I always use dry humor and sarcasm in my content, which my audience enjoys. If people didn’t like my content, I wouldn’t be nearing a million followers,” he added, emphasizing that his comments were never meant to be taken seriously or maliciously.

**Respecting Privacy and Laws**

During his apology, Ndoyisile also addressed concerns about privacy and consent. He acknowledged the importance of respecting privacy laws, particularly the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI Act), which restricts filming individuals without their consent.

“I didn’t mean to suggest that people shouldn’t go to the mall. It’s a mall, after all, people are bound to go there,” he explained, adding that he was simply making light of the situation he found himself in when trying to film.

**Setting the Record Straight on His Nationality**

The video also led to questions about Ndoyisile’s nationality and the legitimacy of his travel documents. In response to these inquiries, he showed his passport and spoke openly about his background.

“I’ve never been ashamed of where I come from. I was born and raised in Havana township in Zimbabwe, and I’m proud of my roots,” he said, addressing rumors about his legal status and clarifying the situation.

**Conclusion**

While Ndoyisile’s apology aims to calm the controversy, the incident highlights the power of social media and the importance of being mindful of how humor and sarcasm can be perceived. It also underscores the need for influencers to be aware of privacy laws and cultural sensitivities in their content.