“Little Mandela” Told to Keep His Nose Out of Moroccan Politics, Sparking Anger Among Soccer Fans and Netizens

• Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla left many social media users reeling with his remarks on Western Sahara
• During the African Nations Championship address in Algeria, Mandla said Western Sahara should be freed from oppression
• Fans at a soccer match retaliated by holding up signs that took a jab at the “whites-only” town in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG - Remarks made by Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla sparked anger and left many South Africans reeling.

He was speaking at the African Nations Championship in Algeria when he seemingly took a jab at Morocco. Algeria and Morocco have been in a long feud over Western Sahara.

During the address at the stadium named after his grandfather, Mandla said Western Sahara should be freed from oppression. He labelled the area as the “last colony of Africa”, leaving many fuming.

Read also

EFF Student Command embarks on 16-hour march to demands free education, leaving many annoyed

Responding to the controversial remarks, fans at a soccer match retaliated by holding up signs that read:

“Little Mandela. The only colony left in Africa is Orania”.

A video clip of the signage was shared on Twitter by Economic Freedom Fighters’ Mbuyiseni Ndlozi who previously also spoke out against Morocco.

Orania is a “whites-only” town in South Africa situated along the Orange River in the Karoo region. Mandla also faced backlash from Morocco's football federation following his remarks.

The Confederation of African Football plans to investigate the remarks and said it remains neutral on political matters. According to IOL, Morocco decided not to send its Under-23 team after Algeria refused to authorise a direct flight from Rabat.

Read also

EFF's Godrich Gardee weighs in on ANC member getting wig snatched, calls for end to gender-based violence

Social media users react to Mandla Mandela’s remarks

@roezava said:

“This happens when you poke your nose into everyone's affairs. Morocco is not Zimbabwe, the last time it was South Sudan.”

@haroldk112 posted:

“What they're basically saying is that "young man, you don't know what you're talking about, so sit down. Just leave that for the elders".”

@cmatleza wrote:

“What a strong message.”

@Style_Linda added:

“That's so profound. Facts about South Africa.”

EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi refuses to celebrate Morocco’s World Cup victory, calls for Africa to reject country

Briefly News also reported that Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Mbuyiseni Ndlozi refused to celebrate Morocco’s win at the Fifa World Cup which made the country the first in Africa to advance to the semi-finals.

The EFF Member of Parliament took to social media to slam the country for its occupation of Western Sahara.

“Africa must reject Morocco until they end their occupation of Western Sahara. I refuse to celebrate,” he said.

Source: Briefly News