Udeme Okon speaks out on xenophobia in SA: ‘There is a lot of it’
Gold medallist Udeme Okon, who has been praised by Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie, has spoken out about racism and xenophobia in South Africa.
The 18-year-old – whose father is Nigerian – won the 400m race in the U20 World Championships in Lema, Peru.
UDEME OKON SPEAKS UP ABOUT XENOPHOBIA
Speaking to the media after clinching the 400m gold medal, Udeme Okon revealed that although he has a Nigerian name, thanks to his Nigerian father, he was born in South Africa to a South African mother.
Udeme revealed that he chose to represent his birth country.
However, the University of Johannesburg student has revealed he has been discriminated against along the way.
gayton mckenzie, udeme okon, chidimma, nigerian
Minister Gayton McKenzie has defended gold medallist Udeme Okon. Images via X: @gaytonmck
He said: “Even in the build-up to this, there is a lot of xenophobia and racism based on if you are from South Africa. There is a lot of that in the country.”
Addressing his critics, he added: “I feel like we should accept and welcome people into specific countries. No matter where they are from.”
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Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture Gayton McKenzie has received criticism for praising Udeme Okon after criticising pageant hopeful Chidimma Adetshina a few weeks ago.
He tweeted on Friday, 30 August: “Gold everywhere. Well done, Udeme Okon, for your great victory in the men’s 400m final.”
However, one tweep “reminded” Gayton, and other South Africans about Udeme’s mixed parentage – a Nigerian father and a South African mother.
“He’s from Nigeria, Minister,” @golide_tsh85753 tweeted.