Bonang Matheba has learnt to keep her political or polarizing views on social injustice issues to herself. Sometimes, she will surprise her masses by actually speaking out on a topical and grave matter on social media, but consistently she has made it part of the brand to let her silence do the talking.
Hence, imagine the surprise that the Twitter streets had when the entertainer and businesswoman finally did speak about gender-based-violence (GBV), well kind of. The comment comes off the back of the criticism that some of our faves like Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Pearl Thusi and AKA had all gotten their more than their fair share of backlash from tweeps for allegedly being vocal about continental crisis, but not local issues.
But because Bonang is currently the one that arguably reigns supreme in South African entertainment, when she spoke she received more love than backlash. Bonang was commenting on the topical story of popular nightclub, Black Door, being raided by the South African Police Service in the early hours of the morning. The raid was due to the club having failed to concede to level 1 restrictions and allegedly failing to produce a liquor license.
@JoburgMPD together with SAPS have officially shut down Blackdoor Lifestyle Lounge in Sandton as they were operating after midnight . Over 300 patrons were found, physical distance was not maintained. In addition, they couldn’t produce a liquor licence #WeServeJoburg#OkaeMolaopic.twitter.com/FNDF5TJNK5
The raid was a full on media punt with the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, and other top government officials present for the raid. During the lockdown in South Africa the SAPS, led by Bheki Cele have had a no-nonsense stance on alcohol. And during the early stages of the local in Mzansi, there were stringent rules that governed alcohol and cigarettes. An energy that was and is not as equally invested in fighting the serious and erosive matter of GBV.
Police Minister Bheki Cele explains why the #BlackDoor nightclub in Sandton was raided by @SAPoliceService in the early hours of Sunday morning. The owner of the club will be charged with contravention of the Disaster Management Act. pic.twitter.com/WQafjYOYCI
So in a series of tweets, Bonang joined the social media discourse of South Africa’s misplaced focus on issues like alcohol and curfews, versus the lack of efforts taken to curb very serious issues like GBV and human trafficking. Currently, South Africa is placed as one of the hotspots of human trafficking in the world. However, the government has not said a word on the matter, let alone has the police shown concerted effort in attempting to address the matter.
Moreover, with a host of local celebrities speaking on the Nigeria and Congo situations, the government has not shared any word on the matter. To make matters worse, South Africa’s President is also the Chairperson of African Union but still no word from his office.
