Malema gets taste buds going with ‘derogatory’ curry quip

05 February 2016 - 09:08
By Shenaaz Jamal

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema’s reference to a curry is taking flak for ethnic stereotyping – while stirring up recommendations on where to find the best plate of the spicy dish‚ as South Africans mockingly put a positive spin on it.

“We’re not going to allow a South Africa that is sold over a plate of curry‚” Malema said at a press briefing at the EFF headquarters in Johannesburg on Thursday‚ in a reference to the perceived political influence being wielded by the Gupta family.

Back in 2013‚ Malema said: “Zuma sold SA out for a plate of curry”.

Social media platforms buzzed in response to Thursday’s comment‚ with many condemning the racial profiling they saw as implicit in the remark:

On Twitter‚ @MiaMthombeni said: “The #Guptas are not my fav but #Malema saying SA will not be bought with plate of curry and they must leave SA is disrespectful. #EFF”.

“The Julius Malema curry comment was in poor taste...it was really inappropriate‚” said @ZamaFakudze.

@Khumza posted: “ok Malema is at it again‚ the curry comment. That’s racism”.

On a humorous note‚ ?@JerushaRaath commented: “Julius Malema says we must not allow SA to be compromised over a plate of curry. Obviously hasn’t tasted my mom’s”.

Others also saw the quirky side and decided to swop tips on the best curry joint in the country. Editor Ferial Haffajee sparked the conversation in defence of curry by asking her followers “Where do you get your favourite curry? Mine is Aunty Farida’s mutton curry. Aunty Rifa’s mince curry. Bismillahs and Bukhara. You?”

Twitter users responded with numerous mouth-watering recommendations‚ which must have gladdened the hearts of many restaurant owners for the free endorsements their establishments were receiving.

A parting shot came from @selan–selan: “SA without curry is unimaginable. Bet that’s what Juju is having tonight.”

 

- TMG Digital/TMG Local Government team