UMKHOKHA: The Curse actor and Sebenza Women Awards founder, Kininonke "Kini" Shandu (38), found himself in hot water after he publicly criticised women who have children out of wedlock.
The actor, who recently had a traditional wedding engagement to a virgin Andile Khanyile on 24 December, in Nongoma, opened a can of worms when he made comments on his Facebook page criticising men who marry women with children out of wedlock on Sunday, 07 January.
Kini faced accusations of hypocrisy and calls for a boycott of the Sebenza Women Awards as he doesn't have respect for women and people who were born out of wedlock.
They accused him of being unfair as he also has children out of wedlock, but he is about to marry a virgin who will be a stepmom.
Some of the women who claimed to know his ex-girlfriend said Kini 's 4-5 doesn’t work.
After a heated exchange, Kini deleted the post and issued an apology.
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Both Kini and Andile belong to the Shembe church where men normally marry virgins.
Kini clarified that his controversial statement does not reflect his genuine beliefs and apologised to all offended by his remarks.
“Though it was said in jest, I acknowledge that the comment was distasteful, indefensible, and reflected poor judgement on my part.
“To all women and anyone offended by my remarks, I extend my heartfelt apology. I understand the gravity of the impact words can have, and I take full responsibility for the distress my words may have caused,” he said.
Kini, who is former presenter of Daily Thetha on SABC1, said it's important to clarify that the statement in question does not align with his genuine beliefs, the utmost respect that he has for women, and his commitment toward the promotion of their rights and empowerment.
The former Gagasi FM presenter acknowledged the impact of words and pledged to learn from the experience, promising greater sensitivity in the future.
