South African-based Zimbabwean actor Chrispen Nyathi has condemned what he described as the continued mockery and disrespect directed at Zimbabweans, saying such attitudes undermine the country’s people and their achievements.
Nyathi, who hails from Bulawayo, said Zimbabweans were among the most disrespected and undermined people on the continent.
“I don’t like it. In fact, I hate the treatment that is given to Zimbabweans. They are made to be ashamed of their country. They are made to doubt their capabilities. It’s very annoying,” said Chrispen.
The actor, best known for playing Pastor Charleston on Mzansi Magic’s DiepCity, said he had repeatedly spoken out against negative stereotypes about Zimbabweans, including on social media.
His performance on DiepCity earned him the Viewer’s Choice Best Actor award at the Royalty Soapie Awards in 2021.
Nyathi said he was particularly concerned by the use of the phrase “It’s giving Zimbabwe”, which he said was increasingly being used to describe something perceived as undesirable or of poor quality.
“I’ve addressed my concerns several times. Sometimes, I use social media to do so. You see, even this phrase ‘It’s giving Zimbabwe’ suggests that nothing good comes from Zimbabwe. I don’t like it at all,” he said.
He said the negative stereotype was so entrenched that even Zimbabweans who excelled were sometimes met with surprise because of their nationality.
“Even when a beautiful Zimbabwean woman appears, people get surprised that she’s from that country.
“It’s like there’s nothing good coming from my country, yet I’m here in South Africa representing it as a TV star.
“This phrase is meant to make a mockery of our country. It’s an insult and remains as such. I don’t know what must be done to make other countries see us as dignified people,” he said.
Nyathi, who has also appeared in The Black Door and Losing Lerato, said his decision to speak out was driven by pride in his Zimbabwean roots.
Despite his concerns over the treatment of Zimbabweans, the actor said he enjoys living in South Africa and believes its people are warm and kind-hearted.
He also said he did not feel unsafe living in the neighbouring country.
“People here are not afraid to fight for what they believe is right. The recent campaigns against illegal immigration are evidence of that. Those campaigns didn’t affect me directly or indirectly.
“But I’ll be more than happy if everyone in Africa learns to respect everyone, including my fellow Zimbabweans,” he added.
Source: Daily Sun
