Media personality and actress Nomzamo Mbatha is making headlines, but this time for stirring controversy during her appearance at the prestigious Gates Foundation’s Goal Keepers event in New York City. While introducing herself to a global audience, Nomzamo referred to Durban, her hometown, as a “small town”—a comment that quickly ignited backlash on social media.
During the event, which focused on solutions to global issues like sustainable nutrition, Nomzamo said, “My name is Nomzamo Mbatha, all the way from South Africa, a small town called Durban. I won’t go into the intricacies of who we are, but I think a dish that best describes me is a bowl of soup…”
This comment didn’t sit well with South African social media users, many of whom pointed out that Durban is anything but a small town. Known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and status as a top tourist destination, Durban is often regarded as “the place to be” for both locals and visitors. In fact, the city has been ranked as the 87th best city in the world according to Tourism Update.
As the video of her statement went viral, users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed their disappointment. @uuniversalmusic tweeted, “Nomzamo Mbatha referred Durban as a ‘small town’ despite the place being ranked as the 87th best city in the world… This is what happens when Actors/Actresses go Hollywood, they are neutered!! She’s talking down on South Africa to keep her contract!”
Another user, @PalesaMogorosi_, weighed in, “You will never find Tyla undermining Johannesburg—even on a bad day. She doesn’t undersell her background and will never reduce herself to an inferior position just to assimilate and be ‘humble’.”
However, not everyone was critical. Some came to Nomzamo’s defense, suggesting that it may have been a slip of the tongue. User @iamziyar commented, “She is from a small town IN Durban. Why are South African social media users so toxic? Nomzamo knows that Durban is not a small town & she is not from Durban, she just made a mistake but because you are jealous of her success you want to crucify her. Sies man. May you remain poor.”
Nomzamo Mbatha referred Durban as a “small town” despite the place being ranked as the 87th best city in the world out of over 10,000 cities.
This is what happens when Actors/Actresses go Hollywood, they are neutered!!
She's talking down on South Africa to keep her contract 🇿🇦! pic.twitter.com/RQbOF6imrR
— UNRULY UNIVERSAL ♞ (@uuniversalmusic) September 24, 2024You will never find Tyla undermining Johannesburg – even on a bad day. She doesn't undersell her background, and will never reduce herself to an inferior position just to assimilate and be "humble". https://t.co/4RmdDRenJn
— mzansi fo sho 🇿🇦 (@PalesaMogorosi_) September 24, 2024
