By Ruvarashe Dhliwayo
Zanu PF Youth league secretary for Administration Tendai Chirau has joined in the campaign to try and block South African celebrity Somizi Mhlongo’s impending visit to Zimbabwe this week.
Concerns have been raised by some locals on the impending visit by
the former SA Idols judge who is expected to grace the reopening ceremony for Garwe Restaurant this Thursday.
Responding to the post speaking against Somizi’s visit, Chirau said the restaurant should find a replacement.
“Zvengito muno maya,” he wrote.
“Vashaya umwe mune we kuti auye.”
The campaign to block Somizi’s visit was started by Gava Vernom Mufambi who posted on Facebook saying, “Your reopening is a good business opportunity for Zimbabwe but I doubt the guest is,” he wrote.
“Somizi (his sexaulity aside) is embroiled in domestic violence and abuse cases and hence, in my view, should be taken with a pinch of salt.
” In a time, the UN, AU and globe is fighting domestic violence, the invitation of one involved in it cannot be the best shot.
“For Somizi, he is undesirable on SA TV programme SA Idols for allegations of abise and we should make him desirable in Zimbabwe.”
Gava made an appeal to the Zanu PF Youth League leadership to deal with the issue.
“Leader Tendai Chirau protect our youth and the future from agents of domestic violence and any immoralities,” he said.
This is not the first time an appeal has been made to block the visit of South African celebrities.
The late Studio 263 actress Annie Nhira successfully lobbied for SA dancer Zodwa waBantu who is famed for appearing at shows skantily dressed with no underwear, to be denied access to perform in the country.
In 2014, South African music outfit Freshly Ground was barred from performing at HIFA in Harare following concerns raised over it song Chicken to Change which was deemed to be an attack on the former President Robert Mugabe.
