Radio host and reality TV star Somizi Mhlongo is facing backlash on social media for wearing a Ndebele blanket that is traditionally donned by married women.
SOMIZI COMES UNDER FIRE FOR WEARING A NDEBELE OUTFIT FOR MARRIED WOMEN
The flamboyant TV host has been trending on social media after finally meeting the legendary Dr. Esther Mahlangu. Somizi has always wanted to meet Mahlangu, and that dream finally became a reality over the weekend.
It is without a doubt that Mahlangu has built an impressive international career and has collaborated with prestigious brands. Hence, it’s no surprise that everyone wants to rub shoulders with her- including Somgaga.
Somizi paid her a visit at her homestead in Mthambothini village, in Siyabuswa, but his visit has landed him in hot water with the Ndebele tribe. This is because he wore a Ndebele blanket and Idliza which is worn by married women.
WHY IS SOMIZI GETTING DRAGGED?
While Somizi’s fashion choice was daring and likely not intended to offend, it angered the Ndebele tribe, as the blanket and Idliza are culturally significant to them.
These garments represent cultural heritage and identity and wearing them improperly may be viewed as disrespectful by those who see them as unique and culturally significant.
MZANSI REACTS TO SOMIZI WEARING A NDEBELE BLANKET
Somizi’s outfit has ignited a heated discussion regarding the wearing of cultural attire without understanding its profound significance.
Some believe he shows disrespect for the Ndebele tribe by wearing an outfit specifically designed for married women.
@Zweli_Thixo wrote: “Dear @somizi, in my culture, you are not allowed to wear this blanket if you haven’t gone for initiation. But that is not really important. They allowed you to compromise your attire. You were supposed to dress like a man, not like a married woman, because that’s the attire of a married woman.”
@uThembisa commented: “This is true of all cultures actually…but ey everyone is doing whatever they want these days. I grew up Zulu , I’ve never worn isidwaba or isicholo because that’s married women’s garb but you see people now dressing even children in those.”Ndaba_2025 said: “The worse part is there Man is old for this nonsense he’s doing, as old he is, he supposed to know to respect cultural traditions.
DO YOU THINK SOMIZI KNEW THAT HE WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO WEAR THE OUTFIT?