Limpopo cops demands Zulu nation to apologize to Robert Netshiunda for being called “Kwerekwere”!A video of a Limpopo-based police officer speaking out against what he described as racial and linguistic discrimination has sparked widespread debate on South African social media.
In the clip, the officer responds to remarks allegedly made about Robert Netshiunda, the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, and uses the moment to call for unity and mutual respect in a country defined by cultural and linguistic diversity.
The officer criticises the use of the term “amakwerekwere,” a word widely regarded as derogatory when used to describe people perceived as outsiders or those who do not speak isiZulu fluently. He urges members of the public to avoid language that may be demeaning or exclusionary, stressing that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, regardless of ethnicity or language.
While acknowledging that many isiZulu-speaking South Africans show respect toward others, the officer argues that a small minority fuels division by asserting cultural or linguistic superiority. He emphasises the importance of mutual respect, particularly in a country still grappling with the legacy of discrimination and segregation.
Netshiunda, who has served as a SAPS spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal for several years, has not publicly responded to the claims circulating online. SAPS has also not confirmed whether any formal complaint has been lodged in relation to the incident or the comments referenced in the video. As a result, much of the public debate has been shaped by online speculation rather than verified information.
Nevertheless, the video has reignited broader discussions about professionalism, respect, and policing in a multilingual society. South Africa officially recognises 11 languages, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, yet translating constitutional commitments to equality and multilingualism into daily practice remains a challenge—particularly in high-pressure environments such as law enforcement and public service delivery.
Language remains a deeply sensitive issue in South Africa, closely linked to identity, belonging, and historical exclusion. Social commentators note that tensions can easily arise when language barriers intersect with authority and public interaction, underscoring the need for stronger communication skills, cultural awareness, and empathy among both officials and the public.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW
https://youtube.com/shorts/Tkj-NXkQhAU?feature=share
Also Read – David Sejobe Opens Up About Family Betrayal in Viral Resurfaced Video