Rutendo Matinyarare stirs racial debate in SABC interview with Leanne Manas
Recently, an interview on the SABC Good Morning show with Leanne Manas featuring Rutendo Matinyarare sparked a racial debate on social media.
The interview, which was aired four years ago highlighted the stark contrast between the treatment of Zimbabwean foreigners and white Europeans in South Africa. It is no secret that Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa are often subject to discrimination and xenophobia.
They are accused of taking jobs and resources from South Africans and are frequently blamed for crime and other social ills.
Also Read: Operation Dudula: South African-based Zimbabweans are struggling.
The interview with Matinyarare, a Zimbabwean immigrant living in South Africa, shed light on this issue and sparked a heated debate on social media.
Social media personality, Nsiki Mazwai also joined in the debate while defending Rutendo’s stance and claimed that South Africans a mentally colonized.
A white person said this to a black person im AFRIKA…..and you fools are celebrating? The level of buffoonery is defeating. You are all such brainwashed , colonised fools.
White arrogance is fed by black fools. You cannot be serious to be taking a white womans side over a black man in AFRIKA about being in Afrika. You’re embarrassing you stupid fools
A white person said this to a black person im AFRIKA…..and you fools are celebrating?
The level of buffoonery is defeating.
You are all such brainwashed , colonised fools https://t.co/CvTOLXBsip
— NtsikiMazwaiMedia (@ntsikimazwai) April 22, 2024
The contrast between the treatment of Zimbabwean immigrants and white Europeans in South Africa was particularly striking in the interview. Matinyarare pointed out that white Europeans are often treated with more respect and given more opportunities than Zimbabwean immigrants, even though they are also foreigners and outsiders.
This double standard is a clear example of the deep-seated racial prejudices that continue to plague South African society. While many South Africans claim to be against racism and discrimination, this interview shows that there is still a long way to go before true equality can be achieved. The social media response to the interview was mixed, with some people expressing sympathy for Zimbabwean immigrants and others defending the treatment of white Europeans.
Some criticized Rutendo Matinyarare for speaking out about the issue, accusing him of playing the race card and trying to stir up trouble. However, it is important to remember that discrimination and prejudice are real problems that affect real people.
ActionSA Leader Herman Mashaba, known for his aggressive stance against illegal foreigners has called upon the Department of Home Affairs to investigate the residency status of an individual known as Rutendo in South Africa.
Mashaba took to X to express his concerns, stating,
“@HomeAffairsSA, you need to zoom in on the legal status of this Rutendo chap in our country. South Africa cannot afford to have such racially divisive individuals in our country.”
@HomeAffairsSA, you need to zoom on the legal status of this Rutendo chap in our country. South Africa cannot afford to have such racial divisive individuals in our country. https://t.co/hWCQDfYg2w
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) April 21, 2024
Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa face significant challenges and obstacles, and it is unfair to dismiss their experiences or suggest that they are somehow less deserving of respect and dignity than other foreigners. At the same time, it is important to recognize that white Europeans also face discrimination and prejudice in South Africa, although it may take different forms.
No one should be judged or mistreated based on their race, ethnicity, or national origin. The debate sparked by the SABC Good Morning interview is an important reminder that there is still much work to be done to promote equality, respect, and understanding in South Africa.
It is up to all of us to stand up against discrimination and prejudice and to work towards a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances.
