Chaponda Dismisses Backlash Over Viral South Africa Interview

Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda has dismissed criticism surrounding a viral video clip of his interview with a South African media outlet, saying his remarks have been taken out of context for political reasons.

The controversy erupted after a short clip from an interview with eNCA News circulated widely on social media. In the video, Chaponda is heard referring to Zulu people living in Mzimba, with some viewers interpreting his comments as suggesting that they reside in Malawi without proper documentation.

The clip sparked debate online, with some accusing the minister of disrespecting the Ngoni and Zulu communities.

However, Chaponda has clarified that his remarks were not intended to insult any ethnic group. He said the circulating clip omitted important context and that his comments were aimed at highlighting the historical migration patterns that have shaped communities across Southern Africa.

According to the minister, the viral video is part of political efforts to misrepresent his position.

The issue also drew the attention of social commentator Onjezani Kenani, who initially reacted to the shorter clip. However, after receiving a longer version of the interview from the Minister’s office, Kenani acknowledged that he had misunderstood the remarks.

In a statement shared on social media, Kenani wrote:

“The problem of sound bites. The Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs reached out and has provided a longer clip that expands the context in which the remarks I reacted to earlier were made. Clearly, the Minister did not make those remarks in the manner I initially understood them. He meant to say we Southern Africans are one people, with migration that has occurred endlessly for hundreds of years. Sorry, Honourable Minister.”

The clarification has since fueled further discussion online, with some accepting the explanation while others continue to debate the minister’s original remarks.