Zimbabwean TikToker Ndoyisile Sibindi Criticized for Remarks About Tembisa Residents

Zimbabwean TikToker Ndoyisile Sibindi has found himself at the center of controversy after making classist remarks about the residents of Tembisa, South Africa. His comments, which criticized Tembisa residents for overcrowding the Mall of Africa, have sparked outrage, leading to calls for his cancellation and deportation.

## TikToker’s Remarks Anger South Africans

Ndoyisile Sibindi, a popular TikToker and content creator based in South Africa, posted a video where he accused Tembisa residents of unnecessarily crowding the Mall of Africa. These remarks did not sit well with many South Africans, who felt insulted by his statements. Social media platforms were soon flooded with angry responses, labeling him arrogant, classist, and disrespectful.

Many South Africans viewed his comments as not only targeting Tembisa but also demeaning the nation at large. As the backlash intensified, the TikToker became a trending topic, with some accusing him of looking down on the people who have welcomed him into their country.

## Ndoyisile Apologizes, Calls It a “Joke”

In an attempt to address the outrage, Ndoyisile posted an apology video explaining that his remarks were meant as a joke. According to him, the comments were part of a pre-recorded vlog on his YouTube channel, which had been uploaded weeks before the backlash.

“This video is mainly to apologize 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 said in the now-deleted video.

He further clarified that the video was intended to explain why he could not complete his vlogging plans at the mall, citing the overcrowding. He insisted his remarks were not classist or meant to discourage people from visiting the mall.

“If you follow my content, you know that it’s often filled with dry humor and sarcasm, which my audience enjoys. If people didn’t like my content, I wouldn’t be nearing a million followers,” Ndoyisile added.

## Nationality Questions and Public Outcry

Amid the controversy, questions about Ndoyisile’s nationality and legal status in South Africa also surfaced. Responding to these inquiries, he affirmed his pride in his Zimbabwean roots and insisted that he had nothing to hide.

“I’ve never been ashamed of where I come from. I was born and raised in Havana township in Zimbabwe. I’m proud of my roots, and I’m not hiding anything,” he stated.

However, many South Africans rejected his apology, describing it as insincere. Some have unfollowed him on social media, while others have reported his YouTube channel. Calls for his deportation have also gained traction, with some urging South African authorities to investigate his residency status.

## Social Media Reactions

Social media was rife with criticism, as users expressed their anger:

– @destinyzee: “Ndoyisile must start packing. The freedom he got in SA got to his head. Akahambe!”
– @magadze_rendani: “They treat us like foreigners in our own country. His apology is fake.”
– @Miz_Ruraltarain: “Ndoyisile doesn’t see or respect us. His arrogance is frustrating!”

The incident has underscored tensions between locals and foreigners in South Africa, reigniting debates about cultural sensitivity and mutual respect. Whether Ndoyisile can recover his reputation remains to be seen, as the calls for his accountability grow louder.