Award-winning musician Makhadzi recently found herself in hot water after a video she posted on social media sparked a backlash from the deaf community.
The video, featuring the singer and a dancer preparing for one of her music videos, showed Makhadzi making hand gestures that some interpreted as mocking South African Sign Language (SASL).
The deaf community was not amused and the reaction was swift and fierce.
The drama began when SASL shared a video of Makhadzi's hand gestures, accusing her of using sign language in a way that seemed to belittle the deaf community.
The post, calling out Makhadzi's actions, urged for a deeper understanding of deaf culture and emphasised the need for positivity and inclusivity.
The caption read: “Using sign language to mock deaf people is UNACCEPTABLE, @makhadzisa. It’s time to learn about deaf culture and promote positivity and inclusivity. Let’s unite, not divide.”
As you might expect, the internet erupted.
Comments ranged from calls for legal action to suggestions that Makhadzi should be reported to the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB).
One person wrote: “She must go to jail.”
On the flip side, some followers pointed out that the majority of South Africans are not fluent in sign language due to a lack of exposure rather than ignorance.
They argued that Makhadzi's video was likely meant in good fun and that it’s time to ease up on the criticism.
“A great majority of South Africa can’t speak Sign Language and that’s not because of ignorance but because of lack of exposure,” one follower wrote.
“This video is playful and should be taken as such. Like all of us, @makhadzisa would love to learn proper sign if given a chance. We need to stop taking everything so seriously.”
In addition to this controversy, Makhadzi has faced criticism over her latest album launch. The Venda beauty recently unveiled the cover art for her seventh studio album, “Miracle Child”, that dropped September 6.
Fans quickly noticed that the album cover bears a striking resemblance to Rihanna’s 2012 “Unapologetic” album.
The similarities in hairstyles, fonts, colours, and the bare-chested pose have led to accusations of lacking originality, turning the launch into a “who wore it best” moment.