Somizi Weighs In as Ndoyisile Faces Backlash and Follower Drop

Zimbabwean TikToker Ndoyisile has come under fire following his remarks about Tembisa residents frequenting the Mall of Africa. His statement ignited a wave of backlash, leading to a significant drop in his follower count on TikTok. South African media personality Somizi Mhlongo has weighed in on the drama, expressing surprise at how quickly Ndoyisile’s popularity declined despite his apology.

**The Controversial Statement**
Ndoyisile, a Zimbabwean content creator based in South Africa, sparked outrage with comments made during one of his TikTok videos. He claimed that people from Tembisa crowd the Mall of Africa, making it an uncomfortable experience for others. In his video, he said:
> “I think people who make the Mall of Africa full are people from Tembisa. Don’t you guys have a mall in Tembisa? People are just gallivanting and occupying the mall for no reason, and it’s so uncomfortable for us who are here who are claustrophobic.”

The remark was not well-received, with many labeling it as offensive and dismissive. Calls for fans to unfollow Ndoyisile quickly gained traction, and despite his apology, he lost thousands of followers in a single day.

Somizi Mhlongo is left stunned after Ndoyisile loses more than 80k followers on TikTok. pic.twitter.com/298OCAsMO3

— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 17, 2025

#### **Somizi’s Reaction**
Somizi Mhlongo, a well-known figure in South Africa’s entertainment industry, shared his views on the incident through a TikTok video. Expressing shock, Somizi remarked on the unpredictable nature of public support and how quickly things can change for public figures.

In his video, Somizi said he was taken aback by how quickly Ndoyisile’s follower count dropped, emphasizing that people should be cautious about their words, especially in the digital age.

#### **Mixed Reactions from Fans**
Fans and social media users have had varied responses to the controversy. Some have criticized the cancel culture phenomenon, while others believe Ndoyisile deserved the backlash for his remarks.

One TikTok user, @Shamie, said:
> “I really feel bad for Ndoyi; he was just making content related to his previous videos.”

Another user, @Mpuci, commented:
> “I love Ndoyi, but he needs to be sincere with his apology.”

Others, like @king Ceaser, downplayed the situation, suggesting Ndoyisile could easily regain his followers:
> “From 995k to 912k is not bad, and he can get more followers. Y’all are just overreacting.”

#### **Somizi’s Journey in Entertainment**
Born in Soweto, Gauteng, in 1972, Somizi Mhlongo has been a prominent figure in South Africa’s entertainment scene. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the arts, he started acting at the age of six and went on to star in iconic productions like *Sarafina!*. Over the years, he has expanded his career, collaborating with international artists and serving as a judge on *SA Idols*.

#### **Conclusion**
While Ndoyisile’s remarks have caused a temporary setback in his online presence, the incident highlights the power of social media and the importance of being mindful of public statements. With his existing fanbase and talent, there’s potential for him to rebuild his reputation.