By Nothando Makhubela
Kgotso Mahlangu, an 18-year-old Ndebele activist and artist, was denied access to SuperSpar in Moratiwa Mall, KwaDlawulale, in Limpopo, for wearing traditional Ndebele clothing.
“You are naked!” a security guard told him.
Mahlangu, from KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga, said he had gone to Moratiwa Mall early in the morning for a delivery for one of his customers, but while waiting he decided to go to SuperSpar to buy water, because he was thirsty.
“When I got to the store’s door, a security guard told me that he would not let me in because I was naked,” he told Scrolla.Africa.
“I asked to speak to the manager. I felt sad and disappointed at the same time, but I had a right to shop, like everyone else. I also feel my Ndebele culture is being disrespected and discriminated against.”
Even though an individual’s right to culture and language is guaranteed in the South African constitution, Mahlangu said he had previously been chased away because of his Ndebele attire.
“This is the third incident. It first happened at the Gautrain, then at Boulders Shopping Centre [in Midrand] and now at Moratiwa Mall. I’m extremely concerned about the way Africans treat each other. We really need to be educated regarding our languages and culture,” he said.
“What happened shows the lack of knowledge about African history and culture. The Ndebele are still facing challenges that have to do with their attire, culture and language.”
SuperSpar manager Zakhele Dlamini asked to comment at a later stage, after he had concluded his meetings, but admitted to Scrolla.Africa that Kgotso had been denied access to the store.
Pictured above: Kgotso Mahlangu in the attire he wore when he was denied access
Image source: Supplied
