Nomzamo Mbatha receives backlash for representing Durban as ‘small town’

by Nomonde Simelane

Often making headlines for the impactful and influential work she has been involved with, media personality Nomzamo Mbatha has sparked controversy after she referred to Durban as a small town, during what seems to be a dinner that was part of the festivities of the Gates Foundation’s Goal Keepers event.

Those familiar with the city of Durban would describe it as a vibrant and coastal city, brought alive by the diverse native population. The city emerged as one of the major tourist cities in the country and earned the tag ‘the place to be’ as the city is buzzing with entertaining activities that cater both for tourists and the locals.

In line with her passion for making a difference in the world, Nomzamo attended and formed part of the Goal Keepers event, which aimed to provide insight and solutions to global issues, specifically nutrition and how sustainable nutrition for all can be achieved. “As individuals, Goalkeepers are developing fresh ideas and doing innovative work to accelerate the progress across the goals in their region,” explains their website.

While introducing herself to the group, Nomzamo revealed that she was from a small South African town called Durban to a group of individuals from across the globe. “My name is Nomzamo Mbatha, all the way from South Africa, a small town called Durban. I won’t go into the intricacies of who we are, but I think a dish that best describes me is a bowl of soup…”

Upon stumbling on the now-viral video, South African internet users expressed their disappointment in the actress for falsely referring to Durban as a small town, stating numerous reasons why her doing that leaves a bitter taste in their mouths. Some users felt as though the misrepresentation further perpetuates negative stereotypes towards the African continent as a whole, and felt as though the media personality was undermining the metropolitan.

While some felt as though she missed an opportunity to boast about her vibrant city, which has a lot going on for itself. The users made an example of Tyla, who has sung the praises of her city of birth at any opportunity she is given.

Also see: Nomzamo Mbatha is the new ambassador of the Earthshot Prize