Podcast Hosts Apologize for 'Gibberish' Remark on SA Language

A week after UK podcasters James and Fuhad stirred up controversy on social media for their comments about local South African vernacular, describing the language as “gibberish”, the duo has now issued an apology for their blunder. This incident unfolded during an episode of their Shxts'n'Gigs podcast last week, where they lightheartedly poked fun at South African tweeps for using a mix of English and vernacular in their online interactions.

Fuhad asked if this was a South African thread, in reference to the blending of languages. He encouraged South African tweeps to lean more toward English to make the discussion more universally accessible. His intentions were rooted in a desire for inclusivity, stating that they should make it universal and that he wants to enjoy it too. He said that they wrote half English and half mouth noises, imploring them to make it easier for those who do not understand the language.

However, the situation took a turn when they described a portion of the conversation as "gibberish," expressing their inability to comprehend it. Social media users swiftly responded with criticism. In response to the backlash, Fuhad attempted to clarify his perspective, offering a somewhat half-hearted apology. 

During another segment of their podcast, Fuhad confronted the issue that had ignited the online firestorm. He acknowledged that there had been a lot of controversy over their comments and opted to set the record straight. He said that there was a "mishap" in their use of the term "gibberish," explaining that they often used it casually in various contexts. His intent was to convey that "gibberish" was a term they used for anything they found difficult to understand, rather than implying any form of disrespect.

To further defend his stance, Fuhad revealed that the backlash had left him genuinely perplexed, to the point where he resorted to searching for the definition of "gibberish" online. He shared that the definition he found described it as "unintelligible, meaningless, and nonsense." Realizing the gravity of the misunderstanding, Fuhad raised his arms in a gesture of sincerity and admitted his mistake, offering a heartfelt apology by acknowledging that it’s wrong, and he apologizes.

In their attempt to bridge the divide and extend a more nuanced apology, the podcasters have embarked on a journey of understanding the impact of their words and recognizing the cultural sensitivities of their diverse audience.