Popular South African celebrity and singer, Kelly Khumalo, has explained why she did not travel to Zimbabwe for the Garwe launch.

This after Somizi, who was supposed to pefrom at the Garwe opening ceremony, was barred from entering Zimbabwe by religious leaders.

The singer, speaking through her manager, Kgothatso Tsotetsi, said Somizi is her cousin and best friend and she could never support discrimination against him.

Tsotetsi told the City Press newspaper that Kelly and her team had not been aware that she had been called to replace Mhlongo before she accepted the booking.

Kelly reportedly turned back at the OR international Airport, minutes before the boarding time for the Harare bound flight.

The newspaper said Kelly refunded the booking fee, while Somizi was paid 30% of the booking fee.

Under Zimbabwe law, LGBT individuals can be barred from entering the country.

Please read the full story in today’s City Press newspaper – 7 November 2021.