(CNN) An online petition is calling on Disney to relinquish its trademark of the Swahili phrase "Hakuna Matata."

The phrase, which roughly translates to "no problems" or "no worries" and is a common expression in parts of eastern and southern Africa, is perhaps best known as a song in Disney's 1994 hit movie "The Lion King."

The company trademarked the expression the same year, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The petition, created by Zimbabwean activist Shelton Mpala, had received more than 117,000 signatures by Thursday evening.

Mpala told CNN he started the petition "to draw attention to the appropriation of African culture and the importance of protecting our heritage, identity and culture from being exploited for financial gain by third parties."

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