Somizi Denied Entry Into Zambia Over Homosexuality

Somizi Mhlongo -Photo courtesy of PR Girl Media

By Paul Shalala

Zambia has banned South African artist Somizi Mhlongo from entering the country over his sexuality.

Minister of Religious Affairs and National Values Godfridah Sumaili says Somizi is not welcome in the country because he is openly gay.

Reverend Sumaili says Zambia will not welcome people who she described as having “questionable” characters.

“Every country has laws. Here in Zambia, we have a constitution that guides citizens on morals and its Christian values. We do not condone gayism. It is a crime and inviting such people means we are slowly accepting the vice,” Said Rev. Sumaili as quoted by the state-owned Times of Zambia newspaper.

She was referring to the preamble of the Zambian constitution which describes the country as a “Christian Nation.”

The “Christian Nation” declaration itself was made by Zambia’s second president Frederick Chiluba in December 1992.

Before that, Zambia was a secular state under the 27 year rule of its founding president Kenneth Kaunda.

Somizi has been invited by PR Girl Media, an influential public relations firm run by women which is organising a fashion show to be held in Lusaka in July.

The Idols SA judge was invited to come and show off his fashion at the event which has been dubbed “Lusaka July.”

On 19 June, PR Girl Media announced Somizi’s invitation in a tweet.

“It is not a secret anymore, an invitation has been sent out to fashion icon Somizi to attend the Lusaka July. We are just as anxious as you are for a YES!” reads the tweet from the handle @PRGirlMedia.

The announcement was retweeted seven times and liked 31 times.

Within hours of the tweet being sent out, social media in Zambia was ablaze with a debate on homosexuality.

The Zambian government did not hide its stance on the matter as Rev. Sumaili led others in opposing the invitation.

Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo has also backed the banning of Somizi from the country.

“He recently got engaged to another man. Is that the sort of thing we can allow in this country? No, he isn’t welcome here,” said Kasolo in an interview with the state run Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

But PR Girl Media has described the banning of Somizi as fake news.

On Friday, the PR agency posted a newspaper cutting in which the Minister of Religious Affairs was quoted banning Somizi and the agency captioned the tweet with the words FAKE NEWS!!!

In an earlier statement issued on Tuesday last week, PR Girl Media urged its followers to wait for an official announcement over the Somizi issue.

“South African celebrity and TV personality Somizi has not yet confirmed to make an appearance at the upcoming Lusaka July event. While we appreciate your engagement and positive response to our social media post made by our team earlier today, we kindly urge you to wait the official announcement from PR Girl Media and Somizi,” read the statement.

But some Zambians are opposed to the decision by government to bar Somizi from the country.

Award-winning Zambian writer Ingrid Nayame says denying Somizi entry into Zambia is against international human rights laws.

“Zambia is a signatory to International Treaties under International Human Rights Law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is illegal to refuse entry into the country of anyone based on their race, gender, sexual orientation or religion or HIV status. The right to equality and non-discrimination are core principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and Human Right Treaties,” wrote Nayame on her Facebook page.

She cited the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and one of those protocols that guarantee Somizi’s rights to enter Zambia.

“The right to privacy is the protected freedom under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. So what someone does in their bedroom has nothing to do with the State,” she added.

Somizi joins a list of influential artists, politicians and religious leaders from abroad who have been denied entry into Zambia for various reasons.

South Africa’s opposition DA leader Mmusi Maimane was turned away at the airport in May 2017 when he came to offer solidarity to UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema who was in detention.

In the same year, Prophet Ubert Angel of Zimbabwe was denied entry into the country.

A promotional poster for the event Somizi was invited for

And in March 2018, popular South African dancer Zodwa Wabantu was detained at the airport upon arrival in Zambia and sent back on another flight to South Africa after Rev. Sumaili said her dances are “immoral” and “Unchristian.”

Zodwa is popular for dancing without underwear and she reportedly told South African media before departure for Zambia that she would dance without underwear despite opposition from Zambian authorities.

President Lungu created the Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Values in September 2016 which is charged with the responsibility of guiding the nation on what are called religious and national values.