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Kairo Forbes attacks her hatters

DJ Zinhle’s Daughter Kairo Fires Back at Critics Over School Uniform Ad

In a bold move, Kairo Forbes, the daughter of DJ Zinhle and the late rapper AKA, has clapped back at critics who criticized Ackermans for featuring her in a school uniform advertisement.

The ad, which also stars Scandal! actor Omhle Tshabalala (Khumo), showcases the two child stars dressed in grey and white school shirts. While many praised the campaign, others took issue with the brand’s decision to spotlight celebrity kids instead of “ordinary” children.


Social Media Backlash: “Give Disadvantaged Kids a Chance”

Some social media users argued that Ackermans missed the mark by not giving less-privileged children the opportunity to shine.

One user, Gomolemo Moela, expressed their frustration:

“I’m not against Ackermans using Kairo and Khumo from Scandal! to advertise uniforms. But these kids are already privileged. Khumo has a role in Scandal! and Kairo is DJ Zinhle and AKA’s daughter. They probably don’t even wear the uniforms they’re advertising.”

Moela went on to highlight the disparity:

“Ackermans’ real customers are our grandmothers in villages, swiping Sassa cards to buy uniforms for their grandchildren, whose parents are unemployed. These kids don’t represent that reality.”


Kairo’s Response: “Work on It”

Kairo, who is just nine years old, showed wisdom beyond her years as she addressed the criticism.

In a pointed response, she wrote:

“If you want your child in the industry, work on it. Big brands scout through agencies, and profiles matter. You can’t expect your child to be chosen if you’ve locked your profile or don’t expose them to opportunities.”

Kairo also emphasized the importance of effort and preparation:

“Let’s not be entitled. Focus on building your child’s craft before complaining.”


Ackermans Explains the Choice of Celebrity Kids

Responding to the backlash, Ackermans stood by their decision to feature Kairo and Omhle.

Bronwyn Pretorius, a representative of the retailer, explained:

“At Ackermans, we value diversity in our campaigns and include non-celebrity children as well. For this campaign, we strategically chose Kairo and her mom to highlight a dynamic parent-child duo with a positive and influential image.”

Pretorius added that the recognizability of Kairo and Omhle amplified the campaign’s reach:

“Social media plays a huge role in connecting with modern families, and featuring familiar faces helped us achieve authenticity and meaningful engagement.”


A Heated Debate

The Ackermans ad has sparked an important conversation about representation in advertising and the balance between showcasing star power and giving opportunities to everyday kids. While opinions remain divided, Kairo’s response reminds us of the hard work and preparation required to make it in the industry—even for celebrity kids.

What do you think about the debate? Should brands rely on star power or prioritize grassroots representation? Share your thoughts below!

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