South African music sensation Makhadzi has found herself facing backlash after her recent music video for the hit song Jealous Down. The award-winning star is being criticized for her use of hand gestures that many believe mock sign language, sparking outrage within the deaf community and disability advocacy groups.

The South African Sign Language (SASL) platform was one of the first to voice its disappointment, sharing a clip from the video and expressing frustration with Makhadzi’s portrayal. The SASL tweeted, “Using sign language to mock deaf people is UNACCEPTABLE, @makhadzisa,” urging her to promote inclusivity and sensitivity towards the deaf community rather than alienation.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, with Deaf Awareness Month in full swing. Dieumercy Asan, a prominent sign language mentor, criticized the singer for failing to use her platform to educate people about the struggles faced by the deaf community. Asan pointed out that if Makhadzi had wanted to include sign language in her video, she should have hired a professional interpreter. “This would have shown real respect and inclusion,” Asan explained.

Patrick Mahlakwana, national chair of the Deaf People of South Africa (DPSA), also joined the conversation, expressing disappointment that Makhadzi missed a vital opportunity to unite communities and promote awareness about the importance of sign language. “We encourage all community members to engage with those who use sign language to gain a better understanding,” Mahlakwana stated, reinforcing the idea that awareness and education are crucial.

In response to the uproar, Makhadzi has expressed deep regret over her actions, admitting that she didn’t understand the full impact her gestures would have on the community. According to TimesLive, she is planning to issue a public apology next week and has requested that the video clip be removed from TikTok, where it first gained attention.

“As someone in the entertainment industry, I didn’t realise how this would affect others. I take full responsibility and will release a public apology next week,” Makhadzi shared, acknowledging her mistake and the need to do better.

Her fans and critics alike are waiting for her official statement, hoping that this incident will open a broader conversation about inclusivity, respect, and using one’s platform to raise awareness about important issues.

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