Ndoyisile Sibindi, a popular TikTok creator originally from Zimbabwe, faced significant criticism after a video of him ranting about overcrowding at the Mall of Africa went viral on social media.
In the video, Sibindi expressed frustration over what he described as people from Tembisa “overcrowding” the mall, questioning why they would leave their local mall, if one exists, to visit the Mall of Africa.
“People are just gallivanting and occupying the mall for no reason. It’s so uncomfortable for us who are claustrophobic,” he said in the clip, which quickly drew backlash.
Many social media users accused the content creator of being classist, with some even calling for his deportation if he was in South Africa illegally.
Hello @HomeAffairsSA,
Kindly investigate the case of a Zimbabwean individual named Ndoyisile Ndumiso Sibindi. He entered South Africa on a study visa but has now been in the country for several years.
Cc: @Leon_Schreib pic.twitter.com/kzN3Zj5gXl
— Still 96 Baby (@ThaboTheBoy_) January 12, 2025
I saw that Ndoyisile video. It wasn’t funny. South Africans suffered Group Areas Act which led to townships like Tembisa. They weren’t allowed to be in suburbs like Midrand. For someone to suggest that people from Tembisa shouldn’t be in a mall in Midrand is insulting & classist.
— Siphumelele Zondi (@SZondi) January 12, 2025
Apology and Clarification
In response to the outrage, Ndoyisile released an apology video, which has since been deleted. He explained that his remarks were meant to be humorous and not offensive.
“This video is mainly to apologise to people from Tembisa who got offended by the video that is currently circulating. First things first, I’m sorry if I offended you. It was not my intention; it was just a joke,” he said.
Ndoyisile's apology video.. pic.twitter.com/uMVW2AczE9
— Thato.m (@_thato454) January 12, 2025
He clarified that the controversial video was a snippet from a pre-recorded YouTube vlog filmed two weeks prior. He said it was created to explain why he was unable to vlog at the mall as planned due to overcrowding.
Sibindi also addressed concerns about privacy violations, referencing South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which prohibits recording individuals without consent.
“Those words did not come from a place of being classist or suggesting that people shouldn’t go to the mall. It’s a mall, after all; people are bound to go there,” he said.
Defending His Identity and Documentation
The backlash also led to questions about Sibindi’s nationality and immigration status. Addressing the rumors, he proudly affirmed his Zimbabwean roots and showed his passport in a follow-up video.
“I’ve never been ashamed of where I come from. I was born and raised in Havana township in Zimbabwe. I’m proud of my roots, and I’m not hiding anything,” he said.
Displaying his travel documents, he added: “This is my passport with my last travel to Swaziland. When talking about documentation, we are not talking about a bunch of papers.”
Sibindi emphasized that his content often features dry humor and sarcasm, which his audience typically enjoys, noting that his growing follower base is evidence of his appeal. He concluded by reaffirming his respect for all individuals and apologizing to those he may have offended.
