American actress Taraji P Henson has found herself at the center of online backlash in South Africa after she mistakenly identified a Zambian tribe as South African during a high-profile speech.
The American actress, best known for her roles in Acrimony and Think Like a Man, was addressing graduates at the 2025 Spelman College Commencement Ceremony when she made the controversial remark.
Taraji P Henson
While celebrating African cultural practices, Henson spoke about a ritual performed by the Babemba people, describing how, in their tradition, a wrongdoer is placed at the center of the village and showered with affirmations rather than punishment.
She claimed the tribe was from South Africa, a statement that quickly sparked outrage across social media.
Mzansi users on X (formerly Twitter) wasted no time correcting the actress, pointing out that the Babemba, more accurately, the Bemba, are actually based in Zambia.
WHAT IS THIS NOW???? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/bUyahe18O0 pic.twitter.com/jzIGny9FX2
— uNzimande™ (@_Seluleko_) May 22, 2025
“Maybe she meant Southern Africa, not South Africa. The Babemba (Bemba) tribe is in Zambia, not in RSA,” wrote one user, @SuperXolani.
Another user, @Hlovo, posted the video and shared their confusion, highlighting how such misinformation can easily spread when shared on major platforms without proper research.
In other news – Sweet Guluva speaks on becoming All Gold’s latest ambassador
Since leaving the Big Brother house as the winner of season 5, Sweet Guluva has been one of the most sought-after personalities.
Many brands and celebrities have been associating themselves with the reality star. Now Sweet Guluva has partnered with All Gold in an initiative aimed at inspiring young people. Sweet Guluva attributes his attractiveness to brands to staying true to himself. His authenticity has paid off, he says. Read More
