By Tamlyn Canham
Mihlali Ndamase has apologised for a tweet she shared that raised more than a few eyebrows.
The award-winning influencer attracted the ire of Twitter users when she shared a joke about the unrest in South Africa.
“When are we looting Merc,” she wrote in the since-deleted tweet.
Many, including DJ Hazel Mahazard, felt the post was irresponsible given the seriousness of the situation.
“Must be something in those makeup brushes or foundation because wow. Don’t tell me that she didn’t ask to be anyone’s role model as a public figure you have an equal responsibility, that accompanies your fame and somethings should stay in your drafts. Please,” she wrote.
READ: Mihlali Ndamase adds actress to her bio with ‘Rhythm City’ cameo
https://twitter.com/hazel_mahazard/status/1414882102986907651
WATCH: Cassper Nyovest does Mihlali’s make-up
Another Twitter user wrote: “What Mihlali said instigates vandalism and looting, one of the wrongs that the President said will be punished. But because she is your fav we must turn a blind until it settles.”
What Mihlali said instigates vandalism and looting, one of the wrongs that the President said will be punished. But because she is your fav we must turn a blind until it settles.
— SITHALE✍🏿 (@SithaleKgaogelo) July 13, 2021
Some of Mihlali’s fans hit back, saying that it was nothing more than a joke.
“Mihlali cannot even joke like other people, because she’s in the public eye. Wow oka.”
Mihlali cannot even joke like other people , because she’s in the public eye. Wow okay 💀😅 pic.twitter.com/Q7k8BWI4Tf
— A Peng Zim Ndebele Hun (@__Reneiloe) July 13, 2021
But several Twitter users said the tweet was irresponsible.
“There’s always a responsibility that comes with being a public figure. This thing of you guys asking,”She can’t joke coz she’s a public figure?” is dumb asf. Mihlali was just wrong.”
There’s always a responsibility that comes with being a public figure. This thing of you guys asking,”She can’t joke coz she’s a public figure?” is dumb asf. Mihlali was just wrong
— ©️ (@UtdLamlanii) July 13, 2021
Mihlali retracts tweet
Mihlali says she “jokingly” shared the tweet “without considering the harm it may cause”.
“Mercedes Benz is one of my favourite car brands, I adore them, hence the joke. Of course I wouldn’t wish that on any business or person. This is a lesson learned and once again, I sincerely apologize.”
Mercedes Benz is one of my favourite car brands, I adore them, hence the joke. Of course I wouldn’t wish that on any business or person. This is a lesson learned and once again, I sincerely apologize 🤍
— Mihlali Ndamase 🤍 (@mihlalii_n) July 13, 2021
Many hoped the incident would be a lesson not just to Mihlali, but to all celebrities and influencers.
“Merc is a brand and I am certain they are concerned about the state of current affairs in SA and how they could be affected. Mimi is paid to post. She has audience. Her tweets are currency. She must never be wreckless esp on this platform.”
Merc is a brand and I am certain they they are concerned about the state of current affairs in SA and how they could be affected. Mimi is paid to post. She has audience. Her tweets are currency. She must never be wreckless esp on this platform.
— 2021 is MY year! (@Fentsie_Fentsie) July 13, 2021
Mihlali was recently named one of Africa’s most influential people. She earned a spot on Forbes Africa’s #30Under30 list.
The 24-year-old was praised for being one of the young innovators and risk-takers in a pandemic year.
Mihlali is also one of the highest-paid influencers in the country.
She chatted to Kaya 959’s Katleho Sekhotho about Forbes, make-up, and conquering the naysayers.
Main image credit: Instagram/@mihlali_n
