By Rorisang Modiba
Limpopo musician Ndivhudzannyi ‘Makhadzi’ Ralivhona has apologised after being criticised for offending the deaf community in her “Jealous Down” music video.
Makhadzi’s TikTok video showed her using sign language in a playful manner, but the South African Sign Language digital platform stated that the signs were incorrect and disrespectful to deaf culture.
Sign language mentor Dieumercy Asan explained that Makhadzi missed an opportunity to raise awareness, especially during Deaf Awareness Month.
“Makhadzi could have used her platform to raise awareness of the struggles of deaf people and encourage hearing individuals to positively participate in the culture and not be one of the oppressors,” Asan said.
Makhadzi expressed her regret and asked for the TikTok clip to be removed.
“There are things that happen without realising how they might affect people. As an entertainer, this was part of acting, but I understand that it hurt others. I’m sorry for that and didn’t mean to harm anyone,” she said.
“I understand how it feels to be hurt, and I take full responsibility. I had no bad intentions and will release a full statement next week.”
Pictured above: Makhadzi.
Source: X
