Businesswoman and media personality Uyanda Sibiya (formerly Mbuli) has taken a firm stand against content creator Pharoahfi, following a viral video that many have condemned as disrespectful to the Deaf community.
The controversy erupted after Pharoahfi posted a video mimicking the sign language interpreter who was translating Minister Gwede Mantashe’s speech during the recent Freedom Day celebrations.
Taking to Instagram, Mbuli issued a powerful open letter, calling out Pharoahfi and condemning what she called the humiliation of the South African Sign Language (SASL) Deaf community for the sake of “flimsy relevance.”
“Dear South Africans, for the undying love of God—we cannot continue to allow the SASL Deaf Community to endure humiliation so others can chase flimsy relevance. Enough is enough!”
She continued by directly addressing Pharoahfi, saying: “@pharoahfi — the Deaf Community is not your gimmick. We are not here to validate your precarious comedy career. We are not your content! We are not your joke!” Mbuli emphasised that South African Sign Language is not only a recognised official language, but one imbued with dignity, history, and identity.
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“Mocking it is not comedy—it is Crimen Injuria, a criminal offense,” she stated firmly. She also urged South Africans to recognise the broader implications of such mockery, highlighting the long-standing marginalisation of the Deaf community, even decades after the end of apartheid.
“This is not a moment. It’s a movement!” Mbuli wrote. “Those of you who are laughing and encouraging her—you should be ashamed of yourselves!” Mbuli issued a call to action: “To everyone reading this: Take the baton. Speak up. Share the truth. Because justice in sign is justice for us all.”
Pharoahfi has yet to respond publicly to Mbuli’s statement.
Images: Uyanda Mbuli via Instagram.
