American actress Taraji P Henson has quickly garnered some local attention after a clip of her speaking about a rite of passage performed by a ‘Babimba’ tribe of South Africa, leaving citizens questioning the credibility of their history and geography education.
Taraji P Henson is one of the many American actresses who have established a significant fan base in South Africa, as she has depicted some roles that have resonated deeply with mzansi’s realities and storylines. However, her talent and skills are not why her name is on the lips of some South African social media users, but rather her spreading disinformation about South Africa to a large crowd at Spelman College, where she was tasked with delivering the commencement address for a graduation ceremony.
In her speech, Taraji attempts to make her speech profound and possibly relatable to her audience by sharing what she believes is a touching rite of passage practised by one of the many South African ethnic groups. However, the gag is, she claims that this practice is done by the ‘Babimba’ tribe, which does not exist in South Africa.
Hey ??????? pic.twitter.com/qaz4xbFme0
— Hlovo (@hlovo_) May 22, 2025
The clip has garnered some passionate reactions and some significant backlash, as South Africans, along with some fellow Africans from various states, have come out to express how Americans continue to perpetuate the ‘ignorant’ stereotype that has been placed upon them when they pull stunts like these.
Americans just run with whatever they believe ?? https://t.co/jDhId7UpFV
— ah joh, retlareng (@RetlarengJoh) May 22, 2025
I am now convinced 90% of the entire population of America is ignorant. https://t.co/vSkcxTrm1c
— ?? iScathulo SePhara ? (@ISephara) May 22, 2025
Guys… what if Americans have their own special world map and geography books with information we’ve never seen? ? Because the things they say sometimes? I’m genuinely shocked every time.
— #JusticeForCwecwe (@Ketso28) May 22, 2025
Other, more understanding users reveal that they believe that the actress misspoke, and meant to refer to a Southern African tribe, as opposed to a South African tribe. According to these users, the American actress was most likely referring to Zambia’s Bemba tribe, who form part of the largest ethnic group in Zambia.
I think she’s referring to the Bemba tribe in Zambia
— MrRedFlag ? (@Thwema1) May 22, 2025
The tribe is in Zambia, perhaps she wanted to say in the Southern African region…because the country SA has no such tribe pic.twitter.com/3Q8pg0Fpls
— LordPiccolo (@LordPiccoloSA) May 22, 2025
Also see: “It won’t happen”- Julius Malema on EFF and MK joining forces
