The new Nelson Mandela: Job Sikhala ignites social media with strange accent
Opposition Politician Job Sikhala has got social media buzzing over his Nelson Mandela accent.
Job Sikhala has been making headlines following his release from Chikurubhi Maximum prison after his 2-year sentence for inciting public violence was wholly suspended. His newfound accent has, however, sent social media users into a frenzy.
Following his release from prison yesterday, he had an interview with HSTV at his home. During the interview, he opened up about his time in prison and also spoke about CCC’s self-proclaimed interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu.
Watch the part of the interview below;
It is me or Job Sikhala came out of the 4 walls of prison sounding like Nelson Mandela? That voice is strikingly similar pic.twitter.com/5SPo0xcRTK
— LynneM 💕💝💎 (@LynneStactia) January 31, 2024
Social media users couldn’t help but notice Job Sikhala’s new accent during an interview. In the conversation, he ironically imitated the iconic accent of the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela, who was not only a political figure but also an anti-apartheid activist. Mandela spent 27 years imprisoned at Robben Island and was released in 1990. Eventually, he became South Africa’s first black president in 1994.
Job Sikhala’s Nelson Mandela accent has left social media users in fits of laughter, with some jokingly suggesting that Mandela’s spirit has settled on him. Some netizens even referred to him as Zimbabwe’s own Nelson Mandela.
On the flip side, some netizens found it ironic that Job Sikhala was referencing Nelson Mandela while mimicking Mandela’s voice. They also deemed it a bit odd that he was likening himself to an icon, just like Madiba.
Here are some of the reactions;
@RaphaelGoredema;
Is it me or he is trying to speak like Nelson Mandela😂😂🤦♂️
@KajataKajata;
Adzoka akutaura saMandela😂😂..Kungoita 2 years paChikurubi munhu atove Mandela 😂
@munyabrowndj;
😂😂but accent bho here ..Mandela ..manga Muri Ku Robben chaiko
@BashonaBashona;
So akutaura sa Mandela 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 job unonza mafirimu..The Spirit of Mandela has settled on Job,😂
@iampaulsitive;
Jokes keep writing themselves🤣🤣 Its only less than 600 days that he was in prison and comrade has already claimed the ‘icon’ status and comparing himself to Mandela.
😂 😂 😂 My guy Suddenly has a Mandela accent😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
