Johannesburg - Twitter users were incensed by homophobic comments made by SABC soccer analyst Coudjoe Amankwaa and called for the broadcaster to sack him.
Amankwaa tweeted that “gayism” was “a problem” and an “abnormality”.
The Ghanaian-born soccer expert first tweeted: “Is gay a naturally born condition or a choice?”
When people on the social media site responded angrily to his statement he said: “The mere fact that you cannot respond rationally on the issues of gayism shows that it’s a problem and abnormality.”
This infuriated Twitter users like @BrentLindeque who said: “Utterly disgusted with @coudjoeamankwaa & his homophobic derogatory comments. Hope @SABCNewsOnline will take action.”
Zackie Achmat, an activist and founder of the Treatment Action Campaign, called Amankwaa’s tweet “the most ignorant tweet for a while”.
These sentiments were echoed by many, but a few like @CJSteyl suggested that Amankwaa be educated rather than fired by the SABC.
“SABC shouldn’t fire @coudjoeamankwaa, but they should send him for re-education through community service with LGBTIQA+ NGOs,” @CJSteyl said.
Another tweeter user questioned the implications of Amankwaa’s comments for local soccer players who were afraid to be openly gay because of homophobia. @K_anye said: “The PSL has tons of gay players that are terrified to live their lives openly. (His) tweets do not make it any easier.”
After Amankwaa’s views trended around the country, the analyst dropped his nonchalant reaction and realised the seriousness of his statements: “I tweeted to ask with a view to understanding! Many tweeps have taken offense! I My intent was to offend or hurt anyone! I am SORRY!” (sic)
SABC spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said was not in a position to comment.
“I’m not aware of what happened and I haven’t spoken to Coudjoe, so I can’t comment. Each and every case has it’s own different circumstances, so I can’t comment till we investigate.”
What they tweeted:
@Makoanyana_R: @coudjoeamankwaa I think the question you should be asking yourself is: Is stupidity natural or a choice? @Official_SABC1 fire HIM.
@gavdavis: Homophobia should have no place at our public broadcaster. But will @SABCNewsOnline act against @coudjoeamankwaa?
@adam_pacman: @SABCNewsOnline clearly @coudjoeamankwaa is a disgusting insecure bigoted homophobe. SABC better take action against this doos.
@osipuka: Our TV screens can’t be infested by homophobes as @coudjoeamankwaa. The @SABCNewsOnline must deal with him. #KhujoMustFall
@TK_iAre: @coudjoeamankwaa has unapologetically displayed homophobia. Discrimination of any kind goes against the constitution @SABCNewsOnline
@MaS1banda: Hey @SABCNewsOnline, do you condone @coudjoeamankwaa’s blatant homophobia?
@pixiestateomind: So you guys know your employee is a homophobe or nah?
@RavenXV: Yoh @AshrafGarda Is @SABCNewsOnline now in the business of employing homophobic bigots?
@phahlax: @radio2000_sport @SABCNewsOnline @robertmarawa @thomasmlambo with due respect, Mr Coudjoe Amankwaa’s tweets are sexist & divisive. Pls act!
@thisisNomi: Hey @SABCNewsOnline, please collect this homophobic trash @coudjoeamankwaa
The Star