Nelson Chamisa’s spokesperson, Dr Nkululeko Sibanda, has said that Chamisa was affectionately referring to Kirsty Coventry as “our swimmer.” Chamisa has faced massive backlash on social media after he made reference to Coventry’s appointment as Minister of Sport at a rally. At the rally, Chamisa described Coventry with a word which means “swimmer” in Shona but which has a rather rude meaning in the Ndebele language. In a statement released last night, Sibanda said,
We would like to emphasise what the President said in Shona yesterday, which is that Kirsty Coventry is ‘our swimmer’.
That she is a swimmer who has made this country proud and excited, even when there was nothing else to smile about. He affectionately referred to Kirsty Coventry, albeit, in Shona as ‘our swimmer’! For this reason, we de-emphasise the ill-intended rampant social media insinuation that the use of Shona was wrong.
The use of Shona in a speech on one of Zimbabwe’s greatest sportspersons is neither a crime nor should it be used as an excuse for whipping emotions. This is irresponsible, wrong and frankly unacceptable.
The President praised and honoured Kirsty Coventry and encourages Zimbabweans to continue to respect and honour our heroic sons and daughters. People must desist from bastardising the use of local languages.
The point that the President makes is that the addition of Kirsty and Ncube in a cabinet led by an illegitimate president, will not be enough to rig ZANU PF’s way into legitimacy.
That day chamisa demeaned Kirsty , not because of the shona word but by undermining her qualities to be minister of sports. he plainly said,”how can you place a swimmer?, what does she do a smimmer?”refering to her apointment. mdc should just admit theh made a big mistake and instead of justifying, they should come out and apologise
anorwara uyu anonzi Chamisa
I think chemisa.is a racist maybe he speaking out of ignorance because kirsty is a big value to zimbabwe. I was one of those that wanted Chemisa.to be president but I think he is not a good guy he trying to show his negative colour. Congratulations President ED.