By Rorisang Modiba
- Nonhle Thema sparked backlash after claiming on 947 Drive that she introduced Twitter to South Africans, reigniting old criticism of her.
- Somizi Mhlongo denied mocking Thema after a TikTok clip of him pulling faces to a related audio went viral.
Somizi Mhlongo has hit back at critics accusing him of mocking Nonhle Thema, after a TikTok video he posted was linked to a controversial interview she gave last week.
Thema, a former Channel O presenter, told radio host Thando Thabethe on 947 Drive that she was the person who introduced South Africans to Twitter. The claim divided opinion online. Some questioned it, while others defended her, pointing out she was one of the country’s biggest celebrities in the 2000s, long before influencers existed.
The backlash grew quickly. Social media users resurfaced old tweets of Thema’s from 15 years ago, criticising her attitude at the height of her fame.
On Sunday, Somizi posted a TikTok video reacting with exaggerated facial expressions to an audio clip many viewers linked to Thema’s interview.
The clip split opinion further, with some viewers accusing him of joining in the mockery.
Somizi denied this in a follow up video.
“So, can’t we have fun anymore? I wasn’t mocking anything. It was a sound that I thought was nice and still think it’s nice!” he said.
He also hit back at those calling him out, asking, “Who appointed you?”
Neither Somizi nor Thema has suggested there is any personal conflict between them.
The online debate has continued, with Somizi’s video now forming part of the wider conversation around Thema’s interview.
Pictured above: Somizi Mhlongo has defended a TikTok video some viewers saw as mocking Nonhle Thema, after she claimed she introduced Twitter to South Africa.
Image source: Somizi
