Zambian authorities on Saturday deported controversial South African dancer Zodwa Wabantu after authorities vowed she would not be allowed to perform because she dances without underwear. Her promoter, Lucky Munakampe was quoted as saying she was billed to perform at an album launch later on Saturday evening, but was sent back when she landed in the morning at the Kenneth Kaunda international airport.
He lamented that no reason was given for her deportation by Zambian authorities.
“I can confirm that Zodwa has been deported back to South Africa by the immigration department. They are yet to give us reasons for the action.”
Her deportation may not be unconnected with statement credited to the country's Religious Affairs Minister, Godfridah Sumaili. In an interview with AFP, Sumaili vowed to ensure that the dancer does not enter the country to perform at any function.
“Zambia is a Christian nation where morality and ethics have to be followed. We don’t expect a woman to dance without underwear.”
Recall that in 2017 Wabantu was barred from performing at an annual carnival in Zimbabwe by the censorship board after a protest by a local actress. However, following a backlash, censorship authorities later backtracked and allowed Wabantu to perform at a private venue, but she refused to go saying she was afraid.
