The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) have issued an apology to Johannesburg-born author and business coach Innocent Ximba, whose image was used incorrectly during the memorial part of the awards ceremony’s live broadcast last weekend.
His name and portrait were included in the “Fallen Stars” segment of the event, which honored deceased performers from the previous year.
In a statement published on their official Facebook page, the SAMAs admitted their error and clarified that the homage was intended for Mkhombeni Innocent Ximba.
“We express our heartfelt apologies to Innocent Ximba, whose picture was used as part of a homage to deceased stars during this weekend’s SAMA28 live broadcast on SABC1,” read a statement from the SAMAs.
“It has come to our notice that although the tribute was intended for Mkhombeni Innocent Ximba, who was born in Nquthu, a picture of a man called Innocent Ximba from Ekurhuleni was used in error.”
In its statement, the SAMA referred to the inaccuracy as a “human error” that happened when internet-sourced photographs were used.
“Once again, we apologize unreservedly to Innocent Ximba and his family for the use of his picture and any trouble, pain, or embarrassment they may have endured as a result.”
This week, Ximba issued a message on social media calling for South Africans to help him gather cash for legal action against the SAMAs.
“@TheSAMAs utilized my name and image with the pretense that I passed away in 2021. I am exhausted by the harassment I am receiving as a result of this. Please#HelpInnocentXimba,” Ximba pleaded.
Ximba said in his statement that the miscalculation caused him a great deal of emotional suffering.
“On August 27, 2022, SABC 1 will broadcast the 28th edition of the South African Music Awards event.” As a feature of their performance, they paid homage to “fallen stars” – dead music business professionals.
On the memorial slot, the name, surname, and photograph of Mr. Innocent Ximba (the data subject under the POPI Act) were also aired.
He stated that he was astonished to get calls from concerned relatives and friends inquiring about the situation.
“Mr. Innocent Ximba was unaware of the tribute and has never been in communication with a representative of the South African Music Awards about the use of his personal information; consequently, he did not provide approval for the South African Music Awards to use his personal information and image.”
@TheSAMAs exploited my name and image to assert that I passed away in 2021. I am sick of the harassment I am receiving as a result of this. Help #InnocentXimba! pic.twitter.com/pVWXxf3R0O
August 31, 2022 — Innocence (@InnocentXimba)
Ximba revealed in his testimony that he has several mental conditions and that the harassment has generated suicide thoughts and feelings.
“Accusations of ghosts and witchcraft are regarded seriously in the black community, and anyone suspected of such are executed by the community. Mr. Ximba fears for his life, since he has left his family home to seek refuge elsewhere,” the statement said.
IOL Entertainment contacted Ximba, who directed us to Mothowamodimo Attorneys Inc. attorney Lesego Mothowamodimo.
Mothowamodimo said, “What I can say is that we’ve consulted.”
“And that is all I can say at this time. If you phone me the next week, things will be different.”