MAKHADZI has found herself in hot water after facing criticism for her portrayal of sign language in a recent music video.
The award-winning musician is being accused of disrespecting the deaf community in the video for her song Jealous Down, where she used hand gestures that many felt mocked sign language.
The South African Sign Language (SASL) platform shared a clip from the video, expressing disappointment with the singer’s actions. “Using sign language to mock deaf people is UNACCEPTABLE, @makhadzisa,” their post read, urging her to promote inclusivity instead of division.
SASL demanded a public apology, with sign language mentor Dieumercy Asan saying Makhadzi’s gestures not only disrespected deaf culture but also misled her millions of fans. Asan argued that during Deaf Awareness Month, Makhadzi missed an opportunity to use her platform to educate people about the struggles of the deaf community and raise awareness about sign language.
“If she wanted to incorporate sign language, she should have hired a professional interpreter. That would show real inclusion and respect,” Asan explained. In an interview with The Citizen, DPSA national chair Patrick Mahlakwana joined the criticism of Makhadzi, along with several disability advocacy groups. —IOL.