Emily Mgidi
South African Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo has been removed from the line-up of the upcoming Buddie Beatz Concert in Victoria Falls, originally scheduled for 5 July.
The group was expected to perform at the event, which is set to follow the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon.
While organisers have not issued an official explanation, reports suggest the decision may be linked to security-related concerns amid growing public pressure and boycott calls.
Following the change, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has removed promotional material featuring the duo from its social media platforms.
The development comes after online users in Zimbabwe called for Mafikizolo to be dropped from the event, with reactions linked to ongoing tensions over anti-illegal immigration marches in South Africa.
Anti-illegal immigration activist and March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said Zimbabweans were mobilising around the call for the duo to be removed.
She questioned the level of unity shown on the issue compared to domestic political concerns in Zimbabwe, a view that circulated widely online as debate intensified.
Zimbabwean influencer Edwin Nkatha described the planned appearance by Mafikizolo as “insensitive and ill-judged”.
He said the reaction should be understood in the context of broader regional tensions involving foreign nationals in South Africa.
Despite the developments, the concert is still expected to proceed as scheduled, with the remaining artists set to perform after the marathon.
Organisers have not publicly confirmed any final changes to the line-up.