SA based actor slams mockery of Zimbabweans

South African-based Zimbabwean actor Chrispen Nyathi has criticised what he describes as the persistent mockery and disrespect directed at Zimbabweans, saying negative stereotypes are undermining the country's people and their achievements.

Nyathi, who was born in Bulawayo, said Zimbabweans were among the most disrespected and undermined people on the continent and expressed frustration at the way the country and its citizens are sometimes portrayed.

"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 Nyathi.

The actor is best known for his role as Pastor Charleston on Mzansi Magic's popular drama series DiepCity, a performance that earned him the Viewer's Choice Best Actor award at the 2021 Royalty Soapie Awards.

Nyathi said he has repeatedly used his social media platforms to challenge negative perceptions about Zimbabweans.

He singled out the increasingly common phrase "It's giving Zimbabwe", saying its use to describe something considered undesirable or of poor quality contributes to a harmful stereotype about the country.

"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.

According to Nyathi, the stereotype is so deeply entrenched that Zimbabweans who excel in different fields can sometimes attract surprise simply because of their nationality.

"Even when a beautiful Zimbabwean woman appears, people get surprised that she's from that country," he said.

"It's like there's nothing good coming from my country, yet I'm here in South Africa representing it as a TV star."

Nyathi described the phrase as an insult and said he wanted to see greater recognition of Zimbabweans and their achievements.

"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.

The actor, who has also appeared in The Black Door and Losing Lerato, said his decision to challenge such stereotypes was rooted in pride in his Zimbabwean identity.

Despite his concerns over negative perceptions of Zimbabweans, Nyathi said he enjoys living in South Africa and praised South Africans for their warmth and kindness.

He also said he did not feel unsafe in the country, despite broader tensions surrounding immigration.

"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," he said.

Nyathi said his hope was for greater respect and solidarity across the continent.

"But I'll be more than happy if everyone in Africa learns to respect everyone, including my fellow Zimbabweans," he added.