President Robert Mugabe’s comments on Wednesday about Kalangas in South Africa drew the ire of social media users, who argued the remarks were tactless.
BY STAFF REPORTER
Speaking at a press conference, Mugabe said Kalangas were “really notorious” for engaging in petty crimes in neighbouring South Africa.
Mugabe said Kalangas resorted to crime because they were not educated.
Social media said instead of coming to the defence of victims of xenophobia attacks, Mugabe had taken a tribal angle, which was harmful to nation building.
“Quite typical of Bob and his family,” a reader commented on the NewsDay website.
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“They are always insulting people.
“Not so long ago Mrs Stop-It (First Lady Grace Mugabe) was insulting people of Matebeleland saying they were good-for-nothing womanisers who go to South Africa to do useless jobs.”
Others defended Mugabe, saying his remarks referred to the past rather than the present.
So sad to see our leaders in the forefront perpetuating tribalism. Mr President I am Kalanga and a Nust graduate…
— Makhosi (@makhosinkanyiso) April 30, 2015
#Kalanga people in SAfrica were/are “notorious, vanoita hutsotsi,” they’re not educated enough to assume better jobs — Ntungamili Nkomo (@ntungab) April 29, 2015
am keen to hear comments from ‘UNEDUCATED Kalanga’s’ holding key positions in Zanu PF
— Nqobile Bhebhe (@nqobilebhebhe) April 30, 2015
I have a beautiful, educated Kalanga wife. And she’s in South Africa
— herbert moyo (@moyo_herbert) April 30, 2015
Spoke to a Kalanga brother of mine re RGM’s ‘interesting’ comments. His prompt response: ‘he is old and reckless’
— Sir Nigel (@SirNige) April 30, 2015