Unathi Nkayi Cleared of “Xhosa” Comments

“Idols SA” judge and songstress, Unathi Mkayi, has been cleared by the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa (BCCSA) over her “tribalistic” comments.

Last November, the “Amadoda” hitmaker came under fire for her comments towards isiXhosa contestant, Luyola Yiba, during the “Idols SA” finale.

Visibly moved by his performance, she told Yiba: “On behalf of the Xhosa people, we are tired of holding up the nation … we are happy to have someone from the Eastern Cape in the finale.”

Viewers were incensed with the seemingly tribalistic remarks, for which Nkayi apologised. However, one viewer lodged a complaint with the BCCSA.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, 29 January, the BCCSA ruled that Nkayi’s comments were not tribalistic, and that she had simply been joking.

They said: “It’s clear from [Nkayi’s] comment on the show and her apology in the media, thereafter, that the intent was never to bring down any group based on race or ethnicity, but merely to join in a celebration of excellence [of isiXhosa persons].”

No doubt Nkayi is relieved about this verdict!

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