'DiepCity' actor Chrispen Nyathi Speaks Out Against Mocking Zimbabweans
- Chrispen Nyathi has criticised jokes aimed at Zimbabweans, saying phrases used to mock the country can damage how its people are viewed
- The DiepCity star says Zimbabweans are often made to feel ashamed of their roots, despite many making meaningful contributions across Africa
- Chrispen, who proudly represents Zimbabwe in South Africa, wants people across the continent to treat one another with greater dignity and respect
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Source: Instagram
DiepCity actor Chrispen Nyathi has spoken out against jokes and comments he believes belittle Zimbabweans, particularly the use of the phrase:
“it’s giving Zimbabwe”
to describe something negatively. The actor, who was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, said the casual remarks can reinforce harmful perceptions about his home country.
Chrispen takes issue with hurtful jokes
Speaking to Daily Sun, Chrispen explained that he has repeatedly raised concerns about the way Zimbabweans are portrayed. He said some of the jokes go beyond harmless humour because they can make people question their own abilities and feel embarrassed about where they come from.
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The actor, best known for playing Pastor Charleston on Mzansi Magic’s DiepCity, said he finds the phrase:
“it’s giving Zimbabwe”
particularly troubling because it is often associated with something undesirable.
Actor proudly represents Zimbabwe
The publication also stated that Chrispen pointed out that Zimbabweans continue to make their mark outside the country, including himself as a television actor in South Africa.
He also highlighted how people can sometimes react with surprise when they discover that someone successful or attractive is Zimbabwean, which he believes reflects the negative assumptions attached to the country.
The actor said he is proud of his roots and wants that pride to remain visible rather than allowing insulting stereotypes to define Zimbabweans.
Chrispen calls for greater respect
Source: Instagram
Despite his concerns, Chrispen said he enjoys living in Mzansi and appreciates the warmth of South Africans. He also said he does not feel unsafe in the country.
According to Daily Sun, he acknowledged that South Africans have shown they are willing to stand up for issues they believe in, including campaigns around illegal immigration. However, he hopes people across Africa can extend that same sense of fairness to everyone.
For Chrispen, the issue is bigger than one expression. He wants Zimbabweans to be recognised for their dignity, talent and contributions rather than reduced to jokes about their country.
Ramaphosa faces backlash over migration stance
Recently Briefly News reported that president Cyril Ramaphosa addressed migration at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand on 27 July 2026, urging South Africans not to blame migrants for unemployment, crime and poor service delivery.
His call for humane immigration management drew strong criticism online, with many South Africans accusing the president of making promises without taking meaningful action.
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Source: Briefly News
