Acclaimed South African musician Simphiwe Dana has made a public apology following her controversial tweets this week.
The singer shocked many when she tried to address Southern African Development Community (SADC) relations.
"There's an expectation, especially in the SADC region, that South Africa must fix ills. What is in it for us?," she tweeted on Wednesday.
She also made a comment about Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe that did not sit well with the country's citizens.
READ: Simphiwe Dana not letting go of Ntsiki Mazwai lawsuit
Here are some of the tweets that caused a stir.
Perhaps it's time we thanked Mugabe for his contribution to decolonization and acknowledge that he's now senile and shouldn't lead
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 13, 2016
I asked why more is expected from SA than other SADC countries as if we have more to lose/gain than others https://t.co/0cUu12XSBY
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 13, 2016
Point I'm getting at. Seems South Africa is needed as a big brother, but also resented when it acts this role.
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 13, 2016
This is sad, I'm guilty of this. The Mugabe I admire is at odds with the Mugabe detaining pastors for protesting https://t.co/3HKyfbmK1X
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 13, 2016
She received major flak on Twitter for her comments.
@simphiwedana this tweet is actually insulting to the people of Zimbabwe to be honest. where have you been all along as...
— I am #ThisFlag (@Kenji1794) July 13, 2016
@simphiwedana Who asked you? Did u come to Zimbabwe and canvas the populace? Last tym I chekd WE are protesting WITHOUT anyones help. NXA!
— Wezhira (@Wezhira4) July 13, 2016
Zimbabwe twitter had Simphiwe Dana for dinner 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😂😂😂😂😂👏👏👏👏
— thelifeofpatson (@patson_manda) July 13, 2016
I don't want to give this much more publicity than what was due but #SimphiweDana is truly disappointing. #NuffSaid #timeToMoveOn #Zimbabwe
— Makhosazana (@Khosi_Mthethwa) July 13, 2016
Latest photo of Simphiwe Dana after Zimbabwe twitter dealt with her. pic.twitter.com/fNO7Kr1oPR
— #Justice4Webblaw (@_Cde_George) July 13, 2016
@simphiwedana I bet it is the patronising manner and language employed by ZA citizens like you that riles Zimbos
— Sewe Saldanha (@ClanSewe) July 13, 2016
Simphiwe apologized several times for her comments, saying her choice of words were reckless. She also made a formal apology on Thursday.
Sorry Zimbos. Didn't mean to upset you. Perhaps bad timing as well. Wanted to have a frank convo about SADC relations
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 13, 2016
— Firebrand (@simphiwedana) July 14, 2016