Nomzamo Mbatha’s Durban Remarks Land Her in Trouble

Nomzamo Mbatha has recently found herself at the center of controversy after referring to Durban as “a small town” during a conversation with Americans. The South African actress and philanthropist, known for her international success, made the comment while discussing her roots in an interview.

The statement sparked a backlash on social media, with many South Africans expressing their disappointment. Critics argued that her description undermines the significance and cultural richness of Durban, which is one of South Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities.

In response to the criticism, some fans have defended Mbatha, suggesting that her intention was to convey her humble beginnings rather than diminish Durban’s importance. However, the comment has stirred a broader conversation about the portrayal of African cities on international platforms and the responsibility of public figures to represent their origins accurately.

Durban is ranked as the 87th best city in the world out of over 10,000 cities, yet Nomzamo Mbatha referred to Durban as a small town.🙆‍♂️

These Blacks who go to the US to look for work really talk nonsense about South Africa 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/gUvAY00SIm

— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) September 24, 2024

Nomzamo has yet to address the backlash directly, but the incident has certainly reignited discussions about the perceptions of African cities abroad.