Actress Enhle Mlotshwa has apologised for using the k-word during her speech at a Carlton Hair partnership event.
Enhle has entered into a collaboration with the hair care brand and while addressing those who attended the event, she used the k-word, which resulted in many who follow her asking her to retract the word.
In video footage that has been widely shared across social media platforms, the actress and clothing designer shared the challenges she faces with her natural hair.
“Listen, it’s the new South Africa and I’m allowed to say this. I’ve got k*ffir hare [Afrikaans for hair]. And the black people know exactly what I mean and the coloured people know exactly what I mean as well,” Enhle said.
She later took to her Instagram account to apologise for using the slur.
In an interview-style video, someone in the background asks the actress to explain the context in which the racially derogatory term was used.
“We went as far as talking about what we used to call ethnic hair, terms such as `k*ffir hare, 'skirport' and many other names. I know some people might not understand the context, we apologise for that. We were just opening up a conversation into Carton Hair and bringing in a new direction. This brings in a special element for black and white people.”
She went on to discuss the dynamic elements of African people's hair and the many ways the hair can be styled, saying she was glad the conversation on the politics of hair was ongoing.
Enhle also apologised in the video caption, saying: “I'm posting this video to express my heartfelt apology for offending members of the South African community ... I spoke in the language that we commonly used where I grew up. We rendered the k-word's humiliation untrue. My intention was never to demean anyone.”
TimesLIVE
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