HARARE – Telecommunications giant Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has come under public scrutiny after announcing its sponsorship of the Buddie Beatz concert featuring South African music duo Mafikizolo, with many Zimbabweans questioning the timing of the event amid the plight of fellow citizens caught up in South Africa’s ongoing crackdown on undocumented migrants.
The concert scheduled for Victoria Falls on July 5 also features local artists such as Killer T, Winky D, and more.
The public argue that at a time when thousands of Zimbabweans are seeking to return home under difficult circumstances, corporate resources would be better directed towards humanitarian support or initiatives that uplift local communities and artists.
Thousands of Zimbabwean nationals are seeking emergency travel documents from the Zimbabwean Consulate in Cape Town ahead of a June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
Images and videos of Zimbabweans sleeping in queues and enduring harsh weather conditions have been circulating sparking a widespread sympathy, prompting many social media users to call on corporate Zimbabwe to show solidarity.
Against this backdrop, Econet’s sponsorship of an event headlined by South African artists has ignited debate, with people saying companies should be mindful of the national mood when making major sponsorship decisions.
The discussion has gained traction across social media, where various influential figures and ordinary Zimbabweans alike have urged the telecommunications company to consider directing similar investments towards assisting returning citizens or supporting local talent instead.
“Dear Econet Zimbabwe please cancel the Mafikizolo trip to Zimbabwe. South African xenophobia has left many of our people with wounds and scars. Our citizens are being treated like animals in South Africa right now. Instead, use those resources to provide transport for Zimbabweans coming home, and help open industries so everyone has work to return to. Charity begins at home.Tirikuonekwa sembwa kubatwa setisina pfungwa !!!!,” said Socialite Mukuzim1.
“In other words apa Econet Zimbabwe iri kutii? Apo pakanzi come and celebrate, celebrate chii? Our brothers and sisters varikuitwa mahwani…Ko ma artist hamusisina here muZimbabwe? Pabhaizika big time,” Kudzai Chitima, a YouTuber said on Facebook
Another person posted “Yesterday I saw a video of our fellow Zimbabweans in Cape Town standing in rain vana vevhu vachinaiwa pasina kana plan ,mukati vanhu ve Econet Zimbabwe munotombogarawo pasi here discussing this concern issue ? Or munogara pasi chete discussing kukwidza bundle ? Mari yekupa Mafikozolo Madii maimboisa pa Bhazi Vana vevhu vabatsirika .Maita basa .”
Comedian Mai TT also posted “I saw this post ndikashamisika I know zvinonzi treat evil with kindness but zvinoitawo here kuti maZimbabweans achidzingwa kujoni kuno topromota ma musicians avo totobhadhara kunovaona yet they never voiced about hutsinye hunoitwa kunyika kwavo. This is definitely wrong timing considering nhamo irikuonekwa nemaZimbo kujoni izvezvi zvanaMafikizolo Makhadzi here no no no. Ngavamboite mashows ikoko kunyika kwavo. Isu as a nation we are not violent or cruel or racists or tribalists but ivo vanoita zvavanoda kuuraya, kudzinga vapedza vouya kotora mari dzesame Zimbabweans. We don’t hate them but for now my country people ngatimbomira. Make a date and celebrate? What are we celebrating? Xenophobia? Ha to hell,” she said.
Add comment