MASKANDI artist Mphile “Smirnoff” Gumede regrets the incident where he accidentally campaigned live on stage for the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in an event that he was booked for by the African National Congress (ANC). Smirnoff who is famously known in the maskandi music industry with a hit song, ImaliYase-Absa is said to have made an error during the Siyanqoba Rally that was held at the Mandlankala Sports Ground where both parties are battling it out.
NOT TO OFFEND ANC
Speaking to Zimoja, Smirnoff said that he did not mean to offend the ANC supporters by the incident that happened on Saturday while he was on stage. “I would like to apologise the ANC supporters and leaders for what happened. I take full responsibility for my actions which are regrettable. I think I became too excited and to be honest I wanted to use the word “Khongolose” but I really don’t know how I ended up using the word “Inkatha”. When I was done on stage I went straight to the leaders of the ANC who were present in the VIP area and apologised for the incident. This is the reason I decided to keep quiet about his matter to make sure that it fades away,” said the singer.
INKATHA LOVES YOU
At the event, Smirnoff is seen going up and down asking ANC supporters if they realise that Inkatha loves them. The supporters are overheard booing at him.The singer said that he was very remorseful about the incident and that it will never happen again in future. “It was an honest mistake. I think I was too excited to see people enjoying, singing along and dancing to my songs. I have never been so ashamed in my life, I even switched off my phone for a couple of days to avoid confronting what happened. I’m truly sorry to the ANC and their supporters if they feel I took them granted,” he said.
PURELY A MISTAKE
KZN ANC Spokesperson Mafika Mndebele says, "We noted that there was an incident and we understand that Smirnoff made a mistake and that is why he apologised. We are holding no grudges against him as the organisation," he said.
