Stormers players Joseph Dweba and Hajiba Daymani have been criticized over a video of them dancing to Sizwe Nineteen's amapiano song “Habibi'' (Quantum Sound), with the song containing “racist elements''. ” has been criticized for having lyrics.
The club posted the video on social media.
On Saturday, the Stormers lost 21-27 to the Ospreys at their home stadium.
Stormers players criticized for 'racist song'
In a social media post, the Stormers shared footage of their pre-match training on the pitch.
In the clip, Joseph Dweba, Hajiba Daimani, Saji Sandi and Skala Ntubeni are seen dancing to the popular song. Habibi (Quantum Sound) By Amapiano artist Sizwe Nineteen.
This South African song features a sample of the Hinidi song “Pataka Guddi” from the 2014 film “Highway”.
Daymani performs some 'Bollywood' inspired dance moves while Dweba sings along to the lyrics.
The post was captioned: “The atmosphere at DHL Stadium is unparalleled.”
In the comments section, Stormers fans were clearly amused by the players' antics.
However, some criticized the song's choice, which included the word “makra”, which is derived from the racial slur “coolie” and is used to describe people of Indian descent.
@prophetnelsonironside: “This song appears to be disrespectful and racially insensitive and is deeply disturbing. It's important to be mindful of the impact your words and actions have on others.. This song clearly falls short in promoting respect and understanding. It is clear that they are well aware of the negative connotations that come with this term. ”
@bigahmed: “This song is a bit racist. As a fan of the 'Makura' Stormers, I feel attacked!”
@sbmoeleme: “Isn’t this song… racist?
@neo_nashking: “The lyrics of this song are racist.”
@katleho_twala: “This song should be banned! If you're white, maybe you can write a song that uses the K-word.”
What does this word mean?
According to the South African English Dictionary, 'Makula' is defined as 'an insulting name for people of Indian descent'.
The word is derived from the racial slur “coolie” used to refer to Indian immigrants during the apartheid regime.
In 2011, then-ANC Youth League president Julius Malema apologized for using the word “makula” in a speech.
@josephdweba
The outspoken politician claimed he didn't know the word was “offensive”. In his speech, Mr Malema argued that black children should be allowed to attend schools with “makula” children.
For those who don't know what you're referring to, “makra” comes from the apartheid/colonial era derogatory term “coolie” and was intended as a racial slur to demean people of Asian descent. I was there. pic.twitter.com/csopuIy4qF
— 👑🐊Mr. Moshesh🐊👑 (@Linzito85) July 9, 2023
He apologized and said, “It was not my intention to hurt the people of India.''
“In Limpopo, where I grew up, and probably in other parts of the world, the word is used to refer to Indians, but no one has said it's offensive.”
“If you were listening to me, you would know that I didn't mean any harm to the Indians. But I'm sorry because some people may have been hurt.”
